June 19, 1935 – May 4, 2025
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Claire Foy, age 89, who went to Heaven on Sunday, May 4th, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion.
Claire was born on June 19, 1935 to Walter Dutka and Genevieve Buchner, in the back bedroom of the family’s twin home in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia.
Claire began working the telephone switch board at Casanave Supply Company when fate introduced her to Ed Foy, a 6’1” charming salesman. Standing at “5 foot nothing”, Claire always reminded others that good things came in small packages. Ed Foy learned this quickly, and gave Claire his last name when they wed in 1960.
After their nuptials, the couple moved to Meridian Street, where their legacy truly began. Claire was a stay-at-home mom who was devoted to her husband and four children. She never missed a sports game, and loved to volunteer in the children’s classrooms. Summer’s were often spent in North Wildwood, where you could always find Claire at the water’s edge, soaking in the sun and making drippy castles. The family made countless memories packed into their car, with Claire happily seated in the passenger seat—she never had a driver’s license in her 89 years.
The 1990’s and 2000’s brought a new stage of life for Claire, when her children started to create families of their own. Anyone who talked with Claire knew how proud she was of her of her 13 grandchildren, or her “baker’s dozen”. Whether ‘grandmom’ or ‘mommom’, Claire’s love was constant, and it was returned tenfold. She frequently rotated between the homes of her four children, and the biggest debate was often about who would have the honor of her next stay.
Claire was an avid lifelong reader, it became hard to find a book by James Patterson or Danielle Steele that she had not read. You could often find her with a small light turned on in the middle of the night, finishing the last few pages of a story, always ready to give a detailed recap the next morning over a cup of French vanilla flavored coffee.
Claire also found joy around the kitchen table, where food and family came together. Sharing a meal with her family was one of her favorite pastimes. She was proud of her Polish heritage, and would often find her full on hearty dishes of kielbasa and pierogis. Towards the end of a meal Claire would be caught sneaking her last few bites to the family’s dogs, who knew to sit right beside her.
She had many hobbies throughout her life, including but not limited to: cooking, baking, watching Philadelphia sports teams (particularly the Phillies and Eagles), bowling, snapchatting her grandchildren from her iPad, and playing her favorite card game, “Golf”. In July 2023, Claire moved to Solana of Doylestown, where she made many friends and could always be found playing cards, painting, finishing crafts, or participating in a game of Bingo.
Claire’s deep faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted Catholic, she found strength, comfort, and purpose in her relationship with God. Everyday at 8 PM sharp she would pray the Rosary with Father Rocky. One of the greatest honors of her life was giving the gifts to Pope Francis during a mass in Philadelphia during his 2015 visit to the US. Her faith was not only personal—it was a gift she shared with her family, instilling in them the values of grace, humility, and love.
Anyone who met Claire quickly realized how truly special she was. Her family was often told how she was the sweetest and most endearing woman people had ever met. With a gentle heart and unwavering faith, Claire brought warmth wherever she went. She was a tough Pollack who led with humor and wisdom. To put it simply, Claire was the best mom, grandmother, friend, and woman. She lived a happy life, and was adored by everyone who met her.
After the loss of her beloved husband, Ed, Claire served as the matriarch of the Foy family for 24 years. Her passing leaves a profound void—one that only begins to reflect the depth of her presence and the countless lives she touched. Her absence will be felt in every room that once lit up with her warm smile and kind eyes. Yet, Claire’s spirit lives on in those fortunate enough to have known her steady, unconditional love. And as anyone who ever said “I love you” to Claire knows, her signature reply was always the same—“Love you more.” Those who knew her will carry her love and her words in their hearts, always.
Claire is survived by her children Edward and Heather Foy, Lisa and Robert Yizzi, Lore Maguire, and Valerie and Michael Goodyear. She is survived by 13 grandchildren and their partners: Ed (Morgan), Shannon, Ashley (Matt), Erin (Thom), Meghan (Mitch), Ryan, Joey, Brandon, Michael, Hailey, Connor, Kellianne, and Mackenzie. She is survived by her best friend, Eileen Boetefuer. Claire was predeceased by her husband, Edward Foy, son-in-law, CJ Maguire, and brother, Eugene Dutka.
Family and friends are invited to Claire’s celebration of life on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025. The visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Andrews Catholic Church located at 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940 followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Following the mass, interment will take place at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery (3301 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/why-give).
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