Barbara Foley

Barbara Ellen (Peterson) Foley gracefully passed away in her Whitefish home after her courageous 3-year battle with cancer. She left this earth with her husband and their daughter by her side, to be reunited with her parents and to begin her eternal life in Heaven. 

Barbara was born April 28, 1956 to Arnold and Lois Peterson. She and her older sister, Nancy were raised in Lincroft, NJ. Barbara graduated from Middletown Township High school and then went on to dental trade school. Shortly after she began her career as a dental assistant. In 1982, after becoming a mother, she started her own cleaning business, giving her the ability to be a full-time mom. 

In 1991, Barbara met John T. Foley “Jack” and they were married on July 20th. Barbara and Jack raised their daughter in Howell, NJ. They remained in their Howell home until moving to Whitefish, Montana to be near their daughter, who had moved there, married, and had two children. Barbara adored her grandchildren and in 2020 moved to Whitefish, Montana to be near them. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she loved to spend time with them.

Barbara was a devout Christian, a wonderful wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and an amazing friend. She touched the lives of everyone she met and was loved by so many. She will always be remembered for her kindness and compassion for others. Although she is gone, she will never be forgotten. The love she shared will continue to live on through her family and friends. 

She is predeceased by her mother, Lois C. Peterson; her father, Arnold C. Peterson and her sister, Nancy C. MacDonald. 

She is survived by her husband, John T. Foley “Jack”; daughter, Christine Nelson “Chrissy”; son-in-law, John M. Nelson, grandson, John C. Nelson and granddaughter, Autumn L. Nelson. 

Memorial and Funeral services celebrating the life of Barbara will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Whitefish, followed by a procession to the Graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Columbia Falls for family and friends on Monday, June 12, 2023. Barbara donated and prayed for the children at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and donations are requested in lieu of flowers. For more information please text Christine Nelson at 406-471-1593.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Barbara and her family.

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