FRANKLIN: Joan Agnes Foley

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Joan Agnes Foley, who passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, in her 90th year, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.

Born on August 15, 1936, in Arlington, Massachusetts, Joan lived a life defined by kindness, devotion, faith, and an unwavering commitment to others. She began her career at Boston Edison and later married her first husband, Robert Williamson, in 1958. Together, they raised their family on Gerard Circle in Franklin, Massachusetts—where lifelong friendships were formed and neighbors became an extension of family.

While Joan embraced many roles throughout her life, the one she treasured most was being the heart of her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose warmth, wisdom, and humor created a foundation of love and strength that will continue to guide future generations. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the many relatives and friends she welcomed into her home with boundless love.

In her later years, Joan found great happiness traveling to visit family across the country and abroad, including California, Virginia, and New Zealand—a place she proudly shared she had visited seven times. She had an outgoing spirit, a listening ear, and a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cared for.

Family gatherings, holiday traditions, and causal social gatherings brought her immense happiness. After retiring to Cape Cod, Joan dedicated countless hours to volunteer work, supporting local charities, community organizations, and neighbors in need. She believed deeply in giving back and quietly touched countless lives through her generosity and compassion, never seeking recognition for her kindness.

Joan is survived by her five loving children: Donna Garner and her husband Paul (New Zealand), Robert Williamson and his wife Melissa (Santa Rosa Beach, Florida), Gayle Simons and her husband James (Chesapeake, Virginia), James Williamson (Santa Monica, California), and Douglas Williamson and his partner Amber Giandomenico (Mashpee, Massachusetts).

She was the cherished grandmother of Rory and Aislinn, Shane and Adeline, and Rosa Garner; Ryan and Allison Williamson; Jenna and Braelyn Williamson DeRocher; Connor and Logan Simons; and Lucas Brochu. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Soren and Autumn Garner and Kayi Garner-Ahmadi.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Williamson; her second husband, Denis Foley; and her siblings, Mary Martin, Dennis O’Leary and his wife Mary, and John (Jack) O’Leary and his wife Nancy. Joan will be dearly missed by her loving sisters, Margaret (Margie) and Rita, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she adored.

She is also survived by her six stepchildren and their families.

With grateful hearts, we honor Joan’s memory and the extraordinary impact she had on our lives. Her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering kindness shaped us into the people we are today. We take comfort in the countless memories and the values she instilled in us—her resilience, generosity, and love will remain our guiding light. Thank you to all who have supported and loved her; your kindness has been a blessing to our family. We carry Joan’s spirit with us, embracing her legacy each day and striving to live as she taught us: with compassion, hope, and joy.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Cape Cod Post Acute Care and Continuum Hospice for the care, compassion, and dignity shown to Joan in her final days.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin,(ginleyfuneralhomes.com), 131 Main Street, Franklin, Massachusetts, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church , 1 Church Square, Franklin, Massachusetts.
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Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Reception to follow at the home of Debbie and Frank DeGrazia, 9 Willow Street, Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The McCarthy Care Center of East Sandwich in honor of Joan’s lifelong commitment to helping others.