Mercedes Foley, 95, Lake Forest

Mercedes Foley nee Meyenberg, age 95, of Lake Forest, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and loyal priest friend. Mercedes was the cherished wife of the late Stephen (Steve) X. Foley for 65 years and loving mother of daughters Mary, Cathy and Maureen (Richard Schabel) and her son Steve, Jr (Barbara). Devoted grandmother to SteveIII and Ryan Foley and Mercedes and Richard Schabel. Beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Emil and Anna Meyenberg and her two brothers and four sisters and their spouses. She was the loving sister of the late Dorothy (the late William) Payne, the late Rosemary (the late Michael) Pavlo, the late Helene Meyenberg, the late Dr. John E. Meyenberg, the late Margaret (the late Robert) Dhamer and the late Thomas (the late Joyce) Meyenberg. Dear sister-in-law to the late Mary (the late Ronne) Malham and the late Eileen (the late Arthur) Carlson.

While attending Mundelein College and working as a buyer at Mandal Brothers Department Store, she met her amazing future husband, Stephen Foley, while he was finishing his college days at Loyola University.
On April 26, 1952, they married and moved to Sauganash eventually settling down in Lake Forest over the past 50 years and spending winters at their home in John’s Island, Florida.
Mercedes was a beautiful woman inside and out, dedicated to her family and friends and a devout Catholic. She will be remembered as a fashion icon, always impeccably dressed and coifed, for her extensive decorating and entertaining skills and for her extreme kindness, generosity to numerous charities, causes and people. She was a classy lady. She had the gift of gab, who loved a good laugh and greatly enjoyed any gathering of family and friends.
Mercedes served on many charity women’s boards. In particular, she and her sisters served on the women’s board of St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital for many years where their brother, Dr. John Meyenberg was President of doctors and dentists.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 23 from 9:00am to 9:45 am at Wenban Funeral Home 320 Vine Ave., Lake Forest, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at the Church of St. Mary 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, 721 N. LaSalle Chicago, IL. 60654 or Mundelein Seminary – University of St. Mary of the Lake, 1000 E. Maple Avenue, Mundelein, IL. 60060.

Info: Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.