Jeffrey Adam Foley

With his mother at his side, Jeffrey Adam Foley, of Miramichi, passed away peacefully at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the age of 40. Born in Newcastle, he was the son of Jeannette (Godbout) Foley and the late John "Jack" Foley.

Jeffrey is survived by his mother, Jeannette, his stepbrother Robert (Tracey), nephew Robert of Vancouver and niece Jette of Ottawa. He has also left behind a brokenhearted supportive group of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and loving caregivers.

He joins his dad, Jack, in Heaven, where they are sure to be spending their days in joy together. Also preceding him in death are his two grandmothers, two grandfathers, his cousin Kleon & numerous aunts and uncles.

Jeffrey was inspirational, and his accomplishments were many; however, his greatest was the impact his deep, unconditional love had on family, friends, and the community.

In spite of the many challenges he faced throughout his life, his greatest joy was in giving.

At the age of 15, his dream to meet Vanna White was fulfilled through the kindness of the Sunshine Foundation. Jeffrey then succeeded in supporting other Sunshine Dreams through his penny fundraisers. He was made the first “Honorary Sunshine Volunteer” as a result of these efforts.

Thirty-four years ago, “the Jeffrey Lift” was installed at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Newcastle, allowing Jeffrey to attend his much-loved church services. This was made possible through the efforts of family, friends, the church and the business community.

He found in God the strength and trust to withstand the many physical challenges placed on him. Jeffrey suffered through difficult and life-threatening surgeries, always with immovable faith.

Although nonverbal, to the delight of others, Jeffrey had an unusual ability to make himself and his wishes known through the use of impressive sounds, loud grunts, kicks, belly laughter and facial expressions.

He had many loves. Special were his bonds with cousins Josh, Kelsie and Tasha and with his lifelong friend Devin. Instilled by his father’s love of music, Jeffrey was delighted with various renditions of “Old MacDonald” by many of the performing groups at the nursing home. Somewhat the gambler he loved scratch tickets, bingo (especially when winning), bowling, jokes and tricks (at a cost to others) and very special to him was the joy of lying back and soaking in the tub. But above all, his greatest love was the special place he held in his heart for the other residents in his home and the loving and so very special caregivers who patiently stood by him day and night. Exceptional was his relationship with David, a gentle, mindful and loving caretaker, a true friend during their 11-year kinship.

Although Jeffrey’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, dear Jeffrey, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

A special heartfelt thank you is extended to Bridgeview Hall and the many caregivers who nurtured and cared for Jeffrey throughout his 40-year stay with us. Also, a sincere thank you to the ER department of the Miramichi Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be held at Northumberland Funeral Home on Friday, November 14, from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, November 15, at 11 am, with Father Cornelius Ngurukwem officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following: St. Mary’s Chairlift Fund, Newcastle; Most Pure Heart of Mary Cemetery Fund, Barnaby River; or Canadian Food for Children, Mississauga, Ontario.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St., telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.