Sally Foley, major contributor to Columbus arts and theatre, dies at 90
Name a cultural institution in Columbus, and Sally Foley probably contributed to it.
Whether it was through her time, talent or treasure, she left a lasting local legacy.
Ethel “Sally” Chandler Williams Foley died peacefully at her home Wednesday, according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary. She was 90.
Her funeral service will be conducted May 2, starting at 11 a.m., in Linwood Cemetery at Lummus Chapel, with the Rev. Jimmy Elder of First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be private.
Because of social distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus pandemic, the service will be broadcast through speakers so mourners may remain in their cars and still hear the service.
Foley’s community impact included serving on the boards of the Columbus State University Foundation, Columbus Museum, Port Columbus Civil War Naval Museum, Springer Opera House, Uptown Columbus, Columbus Gateways, Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Historic Columbus Foundation.
As a member of the CSU Patrons of Music Steering Committee, her gift resulted in the Foley Orchestra Rehearsal Hall at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Her children endowed the Ethel Foley Distinguished Chair of Orchestral Activities in the CSU Schwob School of Music, which supports the music direct/conductor of the university’s philharmonic orchestra.
Another performing arts space in Columbus also is linked to her.
According to Springer Opera House producing artistic director Paul Pierce, when the historic theater was renovated in 1998, Foley and her children funded the conversion of adjacent property on First Avenue into what is now called Foley Hall. It is named in honor of the family’s devotion to the Springer and Theo Foley, one of the 149-year-old theater’s early managers, who married Francis Joseph Springer’s daughter, Adele.
CSU named Foley an honorary alumna and awarded her an honorary doctorate. She was named Mayor of the Olympic Village at Fort Benning, where international athletes stayed in 1996 while participating in the softball competition at Golden Park. She received the G. Gunby Jordan Vision in Arts Award from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Woman of Distinction in Environment Award from Soroptimist International of Columbus. She also was named an Honored Lady by the Historic Columbus Foundation.
Foley established an endowment for the Bradley Olmsted Garden at the Columbus Museum. Along with other benefactors, she also made it possible for the museum to purchase paintings by Sanford Gifford (A Home in the Woods) and William Merritt Chase (My Daughter, Alice).
“She devoted her life to helping Columbus be ever more civilized, beautiful and artistically creative,” Pierce said. “Anyone who knew her saw her as a force of nature. I am blessed to have known her and benefited from her courage, vision and spirit.
Pierce called Foley “a firecracker. Whenever she was present, the energy of the room was taken up a few notches.”
For example, during Springer board meetings, Pierce said, “We could always count on her to speak her mind about the direction of the theatre. Typically, her comments boiled down to, ‘Do better. Work harder. Don’t do anything stupid.’”
Foley also wasn’t shy about speaking directly to potential donors.
“Sally was impatient with people of means who didn’t support the Springer financially — and she told them so,” Pierce said. “To her, the Springer was one of Columbus’ most precious assets, and it annoyed her when people took it for granted. Needless to say, Sally helped the Springer raise a lot of money over the years.”
And she had the award-winning Stonehill Garden, 23 acres overlooking Lake Oliver and featured in Southern Accents Magazine.
Rex Whiddon, CSU’s senior associate vice president for leadership philanthropy and strategic initiatives, said that garden contains his favorite memories of Foley, where they discussed “our mutual love of flowers, music and all things beautiful.”
It’s also where Foley hosted events motivating folks to donate to CSU and other community organizations.
“Sally was a great supporter, advisor and encourager, … truly a gracious, visionary lady, one of the most influential people in my life,” Whiddon said.
Elizabeth Walden, executive director of the Historic Columbus Foundation, called Foley “a true community servant. Her generosity of spirit and commitment to our town and Historic Columbus was only surpassed by her love for her family and her award-winning garden. … Sally was an incredible lady and civic leader in Columbus. She will be deeply missed.”
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 11:20 AM.
