KATHLEEN MARY FOLEY

CASTLETON — Kathleen Mary Foley of Castleton, Vt., passed away peacefully Feb. 17, 2026, at Rutland Regional Medical Center with family by her side.

She was born in Rutland July 28, 1956, to Mary (Mallory) and Paul Foley and went on to be a passionate educator. She graduated from Castleton State College in 1978 and taught first grade at Fair Haven Grade School for 34 years. There she worked alongside many special colleagues who remained lifelong friends. Her fondness for children and devotion to educating young minds made a difference in hundreds of lives.

Kathy loved to travel and had a wonderful group of fun-loving women to explore with. Adventures took her to Italy, Ireland, Turkey, England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Scotland, and numerous trips throughout the United States. But in her own words, “I do love experiencing different cultures and locations, but I also love returning to the 802!” She spent many days exploring Vermont and kayaking on Lake Bomoseen and enjoyed her time with friends on various golf courses. She took great pleasure in her raspberry bushes and shared in abundance each year.

She was a long-time volunteer at the Castleton Community Center, the Red Cross Blood Drives and a guest reader for children at local libraries and day care centers.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by three sisters; Susan Tillyer (Michael), Diana Ladd (Allen, deceased) and Judy Hurley (John); and a brother, Michael Foley (Jane); nephews Jeff Ladd (Dallas), Shawn Foley and Paul Tillyer (Breanne); nieces Jolee Ladd (Alejandra) and Alexandra Foley-Bowen (Jacob); and great nieces and nephews Hunter, Orion, Osten, Dillon, Calvin, Charlotte, Griffith, and Asa.

Kathy lived her life as a kind and caring person. Donations in her memory can be made to the Castleton Community Center, 2108 Main St., Castleton, VT 05735.

A gathering of friends and family will be held in early June at the Crystal Beach Pavilion in Castleton.

Arrangements under the direction of Mallory Funeral Home. ◊