MIDDLEBURY — Saraann “Sally” Meehan Foley, 93, died peacefully on Feb. 5, 2024, surrounded in her last days by family and skilled, compassionate caregivers from East View and Addison County Home Health & Hospice.

Sally was born on July 18, 1930, in Forest Hills, N.Y. The youngest of Jane and Tom Meehan’s six children — five daughters and a son — Sally demonstrated early in life her love for artistic expression and social engagement. As a young adult, Sally dreamed of a potential career in music. She had developed a beautiful singing voice, which she shared with all throughout her life.

However, before embarking on a musical career, fate intervened in the form of a blind date when she was 21. She met Jim Foley, a senior at Colgate University. Smitten with one another, they married two years later while Jim was attending Yale Law School. Following Jim’s graduation from law school and stint as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy, they settled in sunny California.

Sally devoted herself to raising their four children — Meghan, Catherine, Jim, and Mark — and participating actively as a community volunteer. A highlight of her civic engagement was as a volunteer with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where she worked to bring classical and popular music to children across L.A. county. Her leadership in the National Charity League also focused on youth educational opportunities.

In 1972, Sally and Jim made a life-changing move to Vermont. Jim joined an old friend from law school, the late Chet Ketcham, in private practice in Middlebury, and Sally immediately dove into working and volunteering in their new community. One of her first endeavors was to help create patient health care education material in conjunction with Porter Hospital. Eventually, Sally also embarked on a career as a travel agent. Oh, how she loved to travel and to help people plan extraordinary trips!

An active member of St. Mary’s Church in Middlebury, Sally was a member of the choir, the education committee, and various prayer groups, most notably a program for women during the Lenten season. Sally worked diligently with a team of volunteers and professionals to restart St. Mary’s School, serving pre-school and elementary age children. Of the many ways Sally contributed to her community, the reopening of St. Mary’s School was most important to her.

When Sally retired from her paycheck, she had even more time to devote to her many artistic passions. Through painting, especially Theorem painting, Sally demonstrated significant talent. In later years, she used her keen eye for color, form, and subject to take photographs with her iPad (stunning skyscapes) as well as to paint abstract images that often made the viewer feel as if they were immersed in a sea of grass or swimming in a vibrantly blue lake.

As a grandmother, Sally thoroughly enjoyed the many afternoons when her grandchildren would visit after school and on weekends. Invariably, the visits involved a meal (or two!). Her roast chicken was always a favorite. For holidays, the grandkids invariably lobbied for roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Yum!

Sally’s transition with Jim to EastView a dozen years ago did not impede her ability to continue hosting family for meals and time together. She also thoroughly enjoyed participating in EastView social activities. Sadly, both Sally and Jim suffered from dementia as they aged. Jim passed last April. Bereft, Sally was consoled by the steady support and care of the professional staff at EastView and Addison County Home Health & Hospice. For this, we will forever be grateful.

Predeceased by her husband of 70 years, her parents and siblings, Sally is survived by her four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and nine (soon to be 10) great-grandchildren.

A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at St. Mary’s Church in Middlebury, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks your consideration of a contribution to EastView at Middlebury (100 EastView Terrace, Middlebury VT 05753) or Addison County Home Health & Hospice (PO Box 754, Middlebury VT 05753).

Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. ◊