WENHAM - Judith Sargent (Hersom) (Ross Smith) Foley, 87, formerly of Wenham and Essex, died Monday evening, January 21, 2008 at the Ledgewood Nursing Home, Beverly, following a long illness. She was the wife of the late George G. Foley and was also predeceased by her fist husband, Edmund Ross Smith.
Born in Winchester, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Clara (Somes) Hersom and was a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art.
Judy had a passion for living. She was a member of the Beverly Art Guild and was an amazing portrait artist. Many family members and friends had their portraits painted by her. Judy and her first husband Edmund established local square dance clubs, including the Shindiggers, where they taught for many years. Later in life archaeology became her focus. She was co-founder of the Early Sites Research Society. She traveled to various regional sites to participate in digs. During the summer she taught archaeology to children. Judy dabbled in dousing, loved to sail, swim, go for long walks, garden and was an avid reader. Judy radiated beauty and joy. She knew how to make everyone she touched feel special. Judy will be dearly missed.
Judith is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Ross Smith of Essex, Carrie & her husband, Brian Rafferty of Boxford, 7 grandchildren, Laura Somes Ross Smith of Essex, Kelley Web of Jackson Hole, WY, Rebecca “Becky” Rafferty of New Orleans, LA, Mollie Somes Rafferty of Boxford, Ross Angus Smith of Hanover, NH, Cody Smith of Reno, NV, Ford Tucker Smith of CA, 3 great grandchildren, Seren, Julian & Rye Web, all of Jackson Hole, WY, a daughter-in-law, Michelle Mayer Smith of W. Gloucester, a sister-in-law, Virginia Hersom of Winthrop, ME, a cousin, Minnie Swan of Ipswich and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Jan Ross Smith and a brother, Frank Hersom.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held in the spring and will be announced by the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Donations my be made in her memory to the charity of one's choice. For guest book and other information, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.