Faith (Hamilton) Foley, of Milton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, April 8, after a brief illness.

Beloved wife of the late Andrew P. Foley, MD. Faith is survived by her nine children: Edward Foley (Sarah) of Scituate, Ann Macdonald of Braintree, Matthew Foley of Milton, Katie Foley of Quincy, Maura Foley of Milton, Faith A. Foley of Milton, Sean Foley (Bettyann) of Weymouth, Andrew Foley Jr. of Milton and Elizabeth Foley of Milton. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Grace, Eleanor, and Elizabeth Foley, Matthew and Harry Macdonald, Declan, Andrew and Seamus Foley.

Faith was born on August 13, 1938, in Brockton MA, the daughter of Edward and Helen Hamilton, the second of 7 children. Her life in Christ began as a teenager when her family converted to Catholicism. Her faith became a central part of who she was and guided her throughout her life. She graduated from Brockton High in 1956 and continued her education at the Catherine Laboure Hospital School of Nursing. The decision to enter nursing school changed her life in more ways than one. She met a young Resident at the Carney, Dr. Andrew P. Foley. She graduated from nursing school in August, and they were married in St. Patrick’s Church in October.

Faith and Andy moved to Cary Ave in Milton in 1965, where they quickly formed friendships that would sustain them for a lifetime. When the family grew and their home could not accommodate another child, they reluctantly left the neighborhood moving to Canton Avenue where they remained for the next fifty odd years. She worked as a nurse for as long as she could, until the needs of her family became too great. In addition to raising nine children of their own, she and Andy opened their hearts and home to foster children over the years, offering them love, stability, and a true sense of family. After her youngest child entered school, Faith returned to nursing at the William B. Rice Eventide Home in Quincy. She also served as a visiting nurse in the community. Later in life, after years of unsuccessful prodding by her husband Andy, Faith finally “discovered” golf. She enjoyed the game, but more importantly, relished the many friendships it brought to her life. Faith was a much sought after partner, more for her company than for her game!

Mom was devoted to her faith, her family, was a wonderful cook, and a style icon. It is difficult to summarize her life in a few words on a page. She was a big personality, a light, and a force to be reckoned with. We were privileged to have had her in our lives and to have shared her with you through the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Croi Health (formerly NVNA and Hospice) http://www.croihealth.org

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, Saint Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton, Tuesday April 14 at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE Monday 4-8 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.