It is with gratitude for a life well lived that the Foley family share the passing of Donna Mae Somers Foley.
Donna was born on November 16, 1934 to Clarence and Ethel Somers in Detroit, Michigan, she lived an idyllic childhood where she attended school and began a lifelong friendship with Alice and sister-in law, Ellen. Her early summers were full of camps, swimming at the YMCA and activities with her older brother, Bud Somers, whom she adored. In high school she developed a lifelong passion for tennis that she continued to play until her 70’s.
Donna attended University of Michigan and delighted in social events as a member of Collegiate Sorosis. Childhood camp adventures transitioned to seeking new travel experiences as a college co-ed. Summer school sessions gave her that opportunity. Two significant summers included meeting her future husband in Bay View, Michigan while attending Albion College and in Williamsburg, Virginia attending William & Mary to be close to her brother stationed at Fort Eustis. Little did she know that both Charles and Williamsburg were to shape her future and her heart for years to come.
During the year 1956 she was a second grade teacher at Matthew Whaley Elementary. Students from those early years kept in touch with her into her 60s.
In the summer of 1958, she and Charles married and began their life together in Detroit while Charles completed dental school. The year 1961 brought their first child, Leslie and a family move to begin a new dental practice. Williamsburg’s small town charm and warmer weather became the backdrop to building their life and growing a family. Their family grew with the birth of Mary in 1965 and the twins, Charley and Amy, in 1971. Donna was fortunate to have her brother’s family and parents join her in Williamsburg where the both families were able to build life long bonds.
Her days were driven by community connections and personal relationships that brought her joy. She was a devoted daughter to her mother, Ethel, who died in 1992. Donna was an active member of the Williamsburg German Club, Garden Club, and Antique Collectors Guild. For countless years the “lunch bunch” consisted of Gail, Karen, Betsy, Carolyn, and Hennie sharing mom stories and birthday celebrations. She loved a good tawny port, cheese, crackers, fruit, and most any meal that she did not have to cook.
She loved being by the water. The beach in Outer Banks, North Carolina and the cool waters of Gull Lake in Ontario, Canada brought her such happiness. Sand and sun memories with her children are cherished moments in time. Gatherings at the lake with Charles’ sister, Mary and her husband, Art, along with their family created fun times of both chaos and laughter. Canada also gave opportunities to develop connections with the extended Foley family, Gayle and Earl, as well as lake friendships in Sue and Mickey.
Of all of her experiences and accomplishments her greatest love and pride was her children. They often exchange stories and continue to laugh when thinking of how she began so many catch up conversations with her friends by introducing them to whichever child was accompanying her. Of course, the next part of the conversation would be asking how the other person was and what was happening in their lives. She cared so much for others, it was what made her the kind of person she was and it was always genuine.
She and Charlie built a beautiful life together. Their home encouraged and fostered the talents and capabilities of their children. Their desire was for them to be happy doing what we loved, safe and healthy. Nothing mattered more. This was a reflection of the love she and Charlie shared. Donna was always up for Charlie’s “mystery drives” and she easily laughed at his witty humor. Many mornings their children found them drinking coffee together while looking out the window sharing an inside joke. Their love story filled 67 ½ years of marriage built on respect, listening, kindness and wanting what was best for the other. Their love and devotion to each other was exceptional.
Donna is preceded in death by her brother, Bud, and her sister-in-law, Mary. Those she left behind who continue to cherish Donna are her husband (Charlie), her grateful children along with their spouses (Leslie and Tim, Mary and Bill, Amy and Louie, Charley), three grandchildren (Mitchell, Ashley and Alejandra) as well two happy great grandsons.
In honor and memory of her, enjoy some of the things that she loved to do such as walking down Duke of Gloucester Street, call a childhood friend, take a swim, play a game of tennis, or give your dog pets a walk.
We will celebrate her life this summer on a date yet to be determined.
Her family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation for the love and care given to Donna by Cove Crest Memory Care and Adult Day located within The Williamsburg Landing. So many individuals got to know her personally and were incredibly supportive. They allowed her positive personality to shine while making many transitions.
We, her children, would like to end with a very plausible quote from my father:
“Kiddo, the party is over, but the memories linger on.”
