Kathryn Ann Foley

Kathryn Ann Foley

October 19, 1953 to April 6, 2023

Kathryn passed peacefully at home being comforted bedside by her husband of 40-plus years Raffaele Occhiuzzi and surrounded by family members.

She is survived by Raffaele, and her loving brothers David, Alan and Martin, and sister Maureen, children Alessandra (Sean) and Brandon (Caity), Christopher (Kandis), and inherited son, Scott. She was pre-deceased by her brother Brian, and parents; Alexander and Mary.

She was a loving Nana to grandchildren Elena, Dante, Juliet, Stone, Remi, Evan, Owen, Sofia, and Mason, who made her smile constantly – whether they were behaving or being mischievous.

Kathryn will be greatly missed by best friend Judith, as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many more in our community whose lives she impacted with her innate love and compassion.

Born in Paisley, Scotland, Kathryn and her family immigrated to Sarnia, Ontario in 1968. In her teen years, she found a knack for hairstyling that went beyond simply making people look good. After high school, she relocated to Toronto to build a life and career for herself.

Always better when she was in charge, Kathryn moved to Huntsville and opened a salon of her own at Blackburn’s Landing in the early 1990s. Ambiance quickly became a staple in the Huntsville community.

This became especially apparent as community members learned that Kathryn was always willing to offer support and, when possible, her services; there are many individuals and families that have stories to tell about a time Kathryn stepped up to help them when they were in need.

She was a tremendous listener who truly cared about each person who sat in her chair, often going above and beyond for those needing to look their finest for weddings, anniversaries, and other events.

This was never more evident than when her children’s friends would need a safe place to lay their head, or the door always being open (literally on most days) for anyone who wanted to stop by for a tea and a chat, a piece of advice, or a good argument. They’d have to make sure they came after noon; anyone who knows Kathryn knows she only gets up early for two things: a tee time or a flight.

An avid traveller, Kathryn visited many countries in her life, but Mexico remained one of her favourite places to relax and explore, travelling there frequently for over four decades.

When she wasn’t taking care of those around her, Kathryn loved a good book and read hundreds over the years. She could always be counted on to read facts and share information about interesting topics such as health, medicine, politics, and so many more.

While she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her, Kathryn’s legacy will continue through those she aided through the years as they pay it forward to others in need.

“The most heartfelt Thank You to the doctors and nurses as Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, and to Doctor John Rea; we are so grateful for the care you’ve our family over the years.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mark O’Meara Clubhouse on Sunday May 21, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This a drop by event, please join us in sharing stories and memories about Kathryn’s beautiful life.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation or Muskoka Women's Shelter - Chrysalis House in Huntsville.