(Portsmouth, NH) - Former Portsmouth Mayor Eileen Foley passed away this morning. She was 97.

Photo Credit Memorial Bridge Project
Photo Credit Memorial Bridge Project
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Eileen Foley served eight terms as Mayor of Portsmouth and seven terms as a member of the New Hampshire State Senate. Her mother had also served as Portsmouth Mayor.

As a 5 year old, Eileen was invited to cut the ribbon for the just-completed Memorial Bridge linking Portsmouth to Kittery. She also cut the ribbon for the new Memorial Bridge that opened several years ago.

Funeral arrangements for Eileen Foley are expected to be announced later this week.

Her impact on the area and its history was expressed in a press release from the City of Portsmouth released on Monday.

The City of Portsmouth is mourning the passing of former mayor Eileen Foley today. Foley’s lifelong dedication to serving Portsmouth citizens at the local, state and national level will long be revered by this community.

Eileen Foley was born in Portsmouth and lived in the City throughout her life; her mother, Mary Carey Dondero, was the first female mayor of Portsmouth in the 1940s. Eileen followed this path by devoting her life to enhancing her beloved City and encouraging civic involvement. She served numerous terms on City Council, including eight terms as the City's mayor until her retirement in 1997 at the age of 79. She also served seven terms as a New Hampshire state senator, and as an ambassador for the City, making trips to sister cities in Japan, Ireland and England. The City Council Chambers are named in her honor.

“It is a sad day for Portsmouth; Eileen Foley was living proof that we are the “City of the Open Door.” During her time as mayor, her door was always open to everybody. I will miss her humor and her compassion. On behalf of the City Council, our thoughts are with the Foley family,” said Mayor Jack Blalock.

“I am very sorry to learn of Eileen’s passing. This community will continue to treasure her longstanding influences on our City,” expressed City Manager John Bohenko. “I was fortunate to begin my tenure at Portsmouth working alongside Eileen, whose knowledge and passion for Portsmouth were immeasurable. The entire City staff extends our condolences to her family and the many lives that she touched.”

 

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