Susan D. Foley

Susan D. Foley, of Woburn, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends whom Susan had touched throughout her life. She was 72.

Born on November 28, 1951, Susan was the beloved daughter of the late James A. Foley, Jr. and Leota “Lee” (LeClair/Goddard) Foley. She was raised in Newton and was a 1969 graduate of Newton High School. Upon graduating, Susan dedicated many years of service at the United States Postal Service until she found a home at Nixon Insurance which allowed her to raise her daughter. Once her daughter was older, Susan returned to the Postal Service as a letter carrier until her retirement in 2015.

Susan’s life was one filled with love and dedication to her family. She married Donald McMillen on May 26, 1973, at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley. Together, they raised their daughter, Michele, with love and devotion. Although their paths diverged, Susan and Don remained best friends throughout the years.

Susan was known for her faith, strength, independence, zest for life, and unwavering support for her loved ones. She had a generous spirit and loved visiting family and friends. She would greet them with a big smile, her unique style, always with food or gifts in hand. Her talent for crocheting translated into treasured gifts for her loved ones, showcasing both her creativity and thoughtfulness. Among her many passions, Susan was an avid birdwatcher and devoted Red Sox fan who also found pleasure in sneaking off to Foxwoods, Plainridge, Twin Rivers, or Encore casinos, and especially enjoyed the relaxation of being near the ocean with her feet in the sand.

Above all else, Susan found immense joy and love in the presence of her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by loved ones, especially her three beloved “Grands,” Emma, Katherine, and John.

Susan’s strength, the fabric of her being, who she was, never wavered even through her long, courageous battle with cancer. A true fighter to the end.

Susan leaves her adored daughter, Michele (McMillen) Arpino, and husband, Paul, of Newton; her treasured “Grands,” Emma, Katherine, and John; her dear sister, Rosemary Antonellis, and husband, Thomas, of Natick; her cherished brother, James A. Foley III, of Los Angeles, CA; her friend and sister-in-law, Peggy Foley-Troy, of Hudson; her best buddy and former husband, Donald McMillen, of Waltham; her angel-on-earth, Irene Germano, of Woburn, along with her beloved nieces and nephews.

Susan was predeceased by her beloved sister, Donna Foley-Troy; her darling niece, Rita Lee Allain; and her dear friend, Al Germano. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Susan’s life by gathering to visit on Saturday, July 6th from 10am-12noon in the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham, followed by her funeral service at 12noon. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. To celebrate Susan, please feel free to wear “a splash of red,” her favorite color. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Susan’s memory to: Massachusetts Audubon Society, https://www.massaudubon.org, 781-259-9500.