Sue Theresa (Alexander) Foley

Sue Theresa (Alexander) Foley, a retired school librarian from Littleton, Colorado passed away on Wednesday September 4, 2024 after succumbing to an ongoing illness. She was 73.

Sue was born on May 25, 1951 to Lorne & Norma Alexander. She was their eldest child and grew up on the family farm in Sutherland, Iowa. She fondly remembered her childhood on the farm. Whether it was playing school with her younger sister, Ann, or running around & around in a water trough to create a whirlpool with her cousins, she loved sharing stories of her times there.

Music was always a part of her life. Early on, Sue had an affinity for singing and began playing the piano as a young girl. She attended Sutherland High School (Class of 1969) where she participated in choir, band, FTA (Future Teachers of America) club, and glee club.

After high school graduation, Sue attended Briar Cliff (College) University in Sioux City, Iowa. Sue was active on campus by being a member of Cliff Singers and being on the Dean’s List. During this time, Sue was the first female to work at a McDonald’s in Sioux City. She graduated in 1972 with a degree in Music Education.

In 1970, she met the love of her life, James Foley. They would share many adventures together over the next 54 years. Jim grew up in New York and came to Iowa as a college football player at Morningside College. The two met at a local bar for a night of dancing, then Sue asked Jim out to a school dance at Briar Cliff – and the rest was history. They were married on April 22, 1972 in Sutherland, Iowa.

After beginning a career as a music teacher at St. Michael's Catholic School in Sioux City, in 1978, Sue gave birth to twin daughters, Tara & Jill. Being a devoted mother, she put her career on hold until her daughters reached school age so she could be at home to care for them.

After living in Sioux City until 1986, the Foley’s moved to Littleton, Colorado for a job opportunity for Jim. Sue left her beloved Iowa friends & family, but she adapted quickly to her new life in Colorado. She began a career as a school librarian working at Columbine Hills Elementary, Highlands Ranch High School, Green Gables Elementary, and lastly retiring at Mitchell Elementary in 2012.

Sue’s love of music persisted throughout the course of her life. When she wasn’t playing the piano at home, she was actively singing in choir groups and was an organist at various churches. Sue & Jim enjoyed traveling in their spare time. They took many memorable trips together: some of her favorites were seeing Italy, Ireland, and visiting historic sites along the East Coast. In her later years, Sue enjoyed spending time on her backyard patio listening to audio books with Jim.

Sue is survived by her husband Jim Foley of Littleton, CO; daughters Tara (Keegan) Fowler of Lakewood, CO and Jill (Aaron) Bow of Morrison, CO; two grandchildren Ian Fowler and Clara Bow; parents Lorne and Norma Alexander of Pocahontas, IA; siblings Ann (Ron) Hokinson of Barnum, IA and Brent (Kelly) Alexander of West Des Moines, IA.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, October 3rd, at 10am at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227. Another service will be held in Iowa on Saturday, October 19th at The Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Ave, Peterson, IA 51047 from 1:30-3:30pm.

For those wishing to make a contribution in her memory, please reach out to the Kiwanis Club of Columbine Foundation, PO Box 620243, Littleton, CO 80162.