Obituary of Dora Nell Foley
With great sadness, Dora Nell Foley's family announce her passing on December 14, 2022, at the age of 86 in Warren, NJ. She was born in Hobbs, New Mexico, and grew up on a ranch 25 miles from Dalhart, Texas. She was known as Nell.
Nell fondly referred to the challenges of her childhood on the ranch. Hard work, self-reliance, and determination became core features of her personality. She loved the horses, and her favorite was named Socks. She attended a one-room K-12 schoolhouse that required an hour bus ride each way. After graduating from high school in Arkansas, she earned an Associate degree from San Antonio College.
Nell was the second of four children born to Frank and Minnie Lou Allen(deceased). Siblings Melvin, Billy Frank, and Mary Lou, all of whom predeceased her.
Nell had a strong desire to see the world. She was a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines while based in Miami. Despite not meeting the recommended height requirements at the time, Nell persevered, got the job, and earned many awards for her outstanding work. She fondly recalled serving several professional sports teams and political leaders.
Nell worked for Dun and Bradstreet for over 25 years as a customer service representative, account executive, marketing representative, and outside sales representative in New York, NY. She was the only female sales representative in NYC for several years, proving the grit of her Texas upbringing. Her professionalism, dedication, and excellence were acknowledged with multiple service and sales awards. She transferred within the company to Austin, Texas, where she worked until she retired in 2000.
In retirement, she cherished time spent with family and greatly enjoyed traveling. Nell visited Europe and multiple countries bordering the Mediterranean, which she found especially beautiful. She was a member of the Folk Art Society in Austin and also the UT Quest (senior university at the University of Texas). She will always be remembered for her warm smile, her kindness, and her sense of humor.
Nell is survived by two of her three children: William D (wife Annabelle) Foley Jr. of San Antonio, TX, grandchildren Claire and Liam; and Susan (husband Gordon) Melville of Bedminster, NJ, and grandchildren Austin, Sean, and step-grandchildren Corinne Still, and Heather Giannini. She was predeceased by her daughter Deborah K. Foley (survived by her husband, Larry Parkinson). Bernie, her beloved dog, and constant companion, miss her dearly.
A memorial service honoring Nell will be held at Brightview Senior Living Center, Warren, NJ, on 1/4/23 at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
