Yvonne Foley

Yvonne Foley's sociability and outrageous sense of humor turned every mundane trip—to the dry cleaner, to the pharmacy, to Meijer—into an adventure, making "pickups" everywhere she went. With laughter and gratitude, she made people feel like a co-conspirator, a carer, and a friend. A proud mother and an extraordinary grandmother, Yvonne died September 3, 2024 at the age of 91.

Born and raised in Copenhagen, Yvonne lived in Sweden, Austria, New York City, Mississippi, and the suburbs of Chicago before settling in Michigan. She grew to love Jackson, in all its quirks, for the incredibly kind, caring, and funny community she found and built there.

She lived for her friends, loved a party (especially her own), and appreciated the power of a handwritten thank you note.

A two-time junior tennis champion of Denmark, she coached at Parkside, Northwest, and Jackson High Schools, and also taught the sport at Jackson College. A founding member of the Jackson Tennis Club, on the court Yvonne's devastating lobs won her points well into her 80s.

As a child, war uprooted her from her home in Denmark for several years, and she later immigrated to this country at the age of 21 (she was, of course, the ping pong champion of the MS Stockholm on her journey to the US). Yvonne valued protecting the vulnerable—she would be deeply annoyed at missing the chance to vote for Kamala Harris this November.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Frank Foley, whose job with Aeroquip brought her to Jackson. She is survived by her three children, Yvonne "Missy" Grizzell (Jay), Tom Foley(Sandy), and Rich Foley, as well as grandchildren  Danielle and Jacob Foley, and Jimmy and Annie Grizzell who will miss her so very, very much.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her name to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter in memory of Yvonne Foley, 414 S. Blackstone Jackson, Michigan 49201 or by donating at: https://interfaithshelter.kindful.com/

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years