Dr. Anita Alice Foley

Funeral service for the late Dr. Anita Alice Foley, Guysborough, was held May 31 in St. Ann’s Church, with Father Callistus Abazie officiating. Dr. Foley died May 25, 2019, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Antigonish, she was a daughter of the late Dr. William T. Foley and Mary Gertrude Foley (Cullen). She obtained a Bachelor of Science from St. Francis Xavier University and Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Toronto. She then joined CUSO, teaching students in Tanzania, Africa, for two years. Upon returning to Canada, she taught nutrition as an assistant professor at the University of Windsor. She then enrolled in medical school at Dalhousie University, graduating in 1975. She began her medical practice in Guysborough, in 1976, and retired in 2018. She was a devoted physician to the communities of Guysborough County. In addition to her duties as Guysborough Memorial Hospital chief of staff and coroner, she served as a member of the hospital foundation board of directors, and actively participated in the regional and district medical advisory committees. She was committed to maintaining high standards of care and spearheaded professional development and training programs for the hospital’s healthcare professionals. Numerous awards recognized her dedication to patients and to her community, including the Medical Society of Nova Scotia Physician of the Year Award and the Rural Service Award of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada. In 2006, she was awarded an honourary doctorate of philosophy by St. Francis Xavier University. In 2016, Guysborough Memorial Hospital erected a new wing - Dr. Anita Foley Health Services Centre - in her honour. She was a lover of lifelong learning who enjoyed travelling and playing bridge. Her humility was equaled only by her generosity of spirit. She was known for her tremendous love and compassion for others, for her humour and for her directness. She is survived by her brother, W. Terrence (Margaret) Foley; five sisters, Gerrie Bateman, Sheila McMullin, Shirley Foley (Robert McMullin), Eileen Foley Biggs, Maureen Foley (Shannon Ryan); 18 nieces and nephews, Shane Thompson, Sean and Pamela Sullivan, Kerry and Laurie Foley, Jim, Irene, Heather and Neil McMullin, Luke and Colleen McMullin, Billy, Diana, Michael and Catherine Biggs, Alice, Laura, and Amy Walden. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Dr. Mary Foley. Memorial donations may be made to Guysborough Memorial Hospital Foundation or a charity of choice. Online condolences: www.haverstocks.com