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Mom loved her large family and would share all about growing up in Ireland with her close net family and friends.

August 9, 2026, on a beautiful Sunday morning, Christ our Savior brought Carmel to Him. Carmel was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. She is preceded in death by her husband Mike of 63 years. Carmel leaves; Three sons; Michael (Brenda), Desmond (Carol), Raymond (Un) Foley, and one daughter Caroline Bowen (Fred). 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Grey (Jessie), Katie Paul (Zac), Sean Foley (Catherine), Brian Foley, Brendan Foley (Katelyn), Devon Sears (Nick), Derek Eves (Candace), Dylan Eves, Elise and Kalem Reiner. 10 Great grandchildren; Andrew, Mason, Lala, Summit, Ellis, Quinn, Tristan, Ayden, Conor, Declan.

Our mom, Mary Carmel Foley aka Carmel, was born third of eight to William and Kathleen Harries in Dublin Ireland. On July 12, 1932. Mom loved her large family and would share all about growing up in Ireland with her close net family and friends. Great memories and stories she told.

At 13, mom met her love, Michael J Foley. After dad served in military, he left Ireland for work in London. They continued dating until moms legal age of marriage at 21. She didn’t hesitate a moment. They were married in London March 26, 1955. Loving the life in London, and eager to start a family. They had their first, Michael. Shortly after, dads concern of work prospects, he decided to go to America where he met up with his brother Tom. Securing a future in America. He sent for mom and Mike to come to New York. Later, they went to Ohio and there, welcomed Desmond. Afterwards, they desired to permanently go back to Bronx New York where Caroline and Raymond were born. In around 1968, wanting to raise all four out of the city, they found their first home in Wappingers Falls, New York where mom met many other Irish gals and became a posse. Gathering with them were so much fun for her. Their love of Tom Jones and Englebert Humperdink had them running to all their concerts. Holidays and summer fun at the lakes with all the kids, while all the dads were working was amazing memories. Mom loves people, makes forever friends as she never met a stranger.

In 1976 work on the east coast dried up and moving across the US wasn’t a hard task in their minds, as they saw it as another adventure in their life. Prosser Washington then became our home along the Yakima River. Along with longtime friends The Fitzgeralds. Whom also were transplants from Ireland - New York - Washington. Our families were merged together in the community as the Irish New Yorkers. As great friends to this day, we all have fond memories and belly laughs that, as we reminisce when together.

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Even at the end, she still asked about everyone and wanted me to let them know how much she loved them and she will see them again.

Through these years, mom’s property on the river turned into an Irish garden. Her love for that was in her soul. Strangers would stop on the road to ask if they can get married or take their senior photos in her back yard. She also began oil painting, and found she was pretty good at it. Dozens have been given as gifts and some even sold. She would light up when we would joke with her about how much they would be worth went she passes. They are now priceless.

She also would work seasonal at the fruit packing houses as a sorter where she met her longtime friends. They had a blast together talking eating and a trip to Reno where mom found another love, the slot machine. It amazes us today that up to just last year, going to Pendleton,

the machine loved her just as much. Always on the way home from a great day playing, she would be counting her winnings as she was very lucky. It was any excuse to use to go clothes/jewelry shopping, her fondest hobby. Whether it fit, was her color or not, she bought it. Bargain hunting was her passion.

Mom’s proudest moments, was watching her family grow with weddings and grandchildren: Mike and Brenda-Jennifer, Katie, Sean. Desi and Carol-Brian, Brendan, Devon. Caroline and Craig-Derek, Dylan along with Fred. Ray and Un-Elise and Kalem Reiner. And it didn’t stop there, now mom is also a great grandmother too: Jesse and Jennifer - Andrew and Mason Grey. Zak and Katie-Summit and Ellis Paull. Sean and Cathrine-Lala Foley. Nick and Devon- Quinn and Tristin Sears. Derek and Candace- Ayden, Conor and Declan Eves.

In 2006, with both of them retired, it was becoming difficult to manage their Prosser property. And they desired to move closer to Caroline in Kennewick. They found a fabulous house in the neighborhood. After remolding the home, mom was back at it buying every bush, flower and tree she could find. Creating another beautiful 1-acre garden. She loved her home.

After losing Dad in 2018, mom lost a big piece of her. Missing him was heartbreaking. But she still got up every day, worked in the yard she loved until it was just all too much. Having many battles with health, she was still optimistic to overcome and live her life. Even at the end, she still asked about everyone and wanted me to let them know how much she loved them and she will see them again.

Mom is survived by her siblings: Rita Foley, Claire Norton, William Harris, Robert Harris. Brother and sister in-laws: Vic Norton, Eddie and Kathleen O’Reilly, Al Foley. As well as multiple nieces and nephews in Ireland, England, Canada, California, Ohio, Texas.

To Mom and Dad - Until we meet again, May God hold you both in the hollow of His hand. You loved your family, life and each other. We are forever blessed by that love, as we are grateful you are together again. We love you.

Sla’n go f’oill

Good bye for now

Services will be September 11, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

1905 Highland Drive

Prosser, Washington 99350Mom

10:00 a.m. with committal following

Shelbysfloral.com 509-559-8924