The Staten Island mom shot dead in a suspected murder-suicide last week had dedicated her life to her young son – with “every hope she had for the future” focused on him, loved ones said in an online fundraiser.
Dana Foley, 39, was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the torso shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday inside a home on Garth Court, a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac street in the borough’s Richmond neighborhood, authorities said.
Her boyfriend, Dakota Suckstorff, 27, who lived in the home, was found shot in the head and later pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.
A gun was recovered at the scene near Suckstorff’s hand, law enforcement sources said Monday.
In a GoFundMe page, Foley — who lived more than five miles away in the Sunnyside neighborhood — was described as a loving mother who cared deeply for her son, Lennon.
“More than anything else in this world, Dana was Lennon’s mom,” the organizer, Nicole DeMeo, wrote. “Lennon was her absolute pride and joy. Being his mother was the greatest purpose of her life and, without question, the thing she was most proud of. Everything Dana did, every plan she made, and every hope she had for the future centered around Lennon.”
DeMeo also fondly remembered Foley’s laugh that “could fill a room… and then some.”
“She had an incredible way of making people feel special, and her presence made people feel welcomed, remembered, loved, and cared for,” she wrote.
Foley’s dad, Kevin Foley, remembered his daughter in a heartbreaking post.
“I’ll forever love you always and forever!” he wrote. “My Dana, my first born, my NY Giants partner, my LOVE! Rest now, Rest now. We shall meet again. Love you so much!
Meanwhile, another friend whose child played soccer with Foley’s son said they soon became like family.
“Dana was one of us,” Christina DeClara wrote. “From soccer parties, to cheering for our boys on the sidelines, to carpooling–we are collectively devastated.”
Local pizzeria The Original Goodfella’s Brick Oven Pizza described Dana as a well-loved employee.
“Dana was deeply loved by all of us, and she will be missed more than words can express,” a Facebook post said. “She was a special part of our family, and we will always remember the kindness, warmth, and joy she brought into our lives.”
