Jewel Foley

Jewel Ann (Boardman) Foley passed away on February 5, 2023 at her home in Bloomingdale, NY. Though she was a lifelong resident of the area; Jewel was born on October 7, 1942 in Clifton Springs, NY to Thomas J. and Florence G. (Bennett) Boardman a conductor on the LeHigh Valley Railroad, and owner of a candy store in Manchester, NY.

Jewel (Julie) moved with her mother and sister Nancy, to the Adirondacks at a very young age; settling with her grandparents Harry and Charity Bennett on the family homestead in Franklin Falls, NY. She attended Paul Smiths College, followed by a lifelong career in the food and beverage business. Working for so many local business’ and hotels, the Dew Drop Inn was one of her favorites. Julie and her sister Nancy owned and operated local mainstays; including the Shamrock, The Swinging Tiger, The Pleasant View and the Brick Oven. Julie extended her employment to include NYS DOT, SUNY Albany and eventually Food Service at Bare Hill Correctional Facility, for NYS Corrections, retiring following an accident that disabled her.

Jewel married her husband of twenty-six years; William R. Foley on February 11, 1967 in St. Bernard’s Church during the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. Mr. Foley, a musician and rigger trucker by trade, settled here in the Adirondacks and joined her operating the family businesses.

Jewel had no interest in recognition, preferring to accomplish goals and do for others behind the scenes. She volunteered endless hours to St. Bernard’s School for fundraising, library assistance and local investment to school support. Her legacy would be the inherent drive she instilled in her children to continue these causes. She also actively supported the Bloomingdale Fire Department auxiliary throughout most of her adult life.

Jewel is survived by her children Thomas Foley (Dody Day) of Stowe, VT; William Foley of Bloomingdale; Barbara Foley (Kenny Moore) of Saranac Lake; George Foley (Rebecca Brault) of Vermontville. Her grandchildren Courtney, Tai, Wyatt, Daniel, Paige and Sarah. As well as her favorite fur babies Gizmo and Libby. Jewel also leaves behind lifelong friends Shirley O’Neil, Pat Palmer and an endless line of friends and acquaintances.

Jewel was predeceased by her parents, grandparents, husband Bill (1993), her beloved sister and brother-in-law Nancy (2011) and Al (1990) Pandolfo, her granddaughter Cameron (1993) and her other favorite fur babies Lulu and Sugar.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Per Jewel’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Jewel will be remembered at the February 19, 2023 Sunday mass at 10:00am at St. Bernard’s Church. A celebration of life will follow at The Shamrock in Saranac Lake, NY. Graveside services are tentatively set for Saturday May 20, 2023 at Noon at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Bloomingdale, NY.

Family and friends wishing to remember Jewel Ann Foley, may make memorial contributions to St. Bernard’s School in care of the funeral home. Family and friends may also share a memory, send a condolence and sign the online guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.