Olga Maria Wright

Olga Maria Wright (née Vallejo), of Dover, New Hampshire, was called to the Lord on February 6, 2025 at the age of 98. She died peacefully at Hyder Hospice House in Dover.

 “Mominga” as she was lovingly called by her daughters, loved deeply.  She was a fierce advocate for her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always encouraging them with the words “¡Si se puede!”  “Yes, you can!”

Olga was born on May 12, 1926 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Her father, Louis Vallejo, was the chief of volunteer firemen in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She lost her mother, Persedes Soto, to tuberculosis when she was only two years old and her older sister, Yolanda Vallejo, in her teens.  Her half siblings, Nelly Vallejo Castillo, Louis Vallejo and Myrna Vallejo, predeceased her.

 She came to the United States at the tender age of 20. Except for a few years in Dallas, Texas, she would spend the rest of her life as a proud resident of New Hampshire, initially in Keene and for her last 30 years in Dover. She was the widow of Elliot A. Wright of Keene, New Hampshire and devoted mother of Rita Wright Colina of Houston, Texas and Diane Wright Foley of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. 

 In spite of her early losses as a child, she exuded joy.  Love and faith marked her life. A parishioner of St. Bernard’s in Keene and St. Mary’s in Dover, she had a deep abiding faith in God, with a particular devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary, who mothered her throughout her life.  She had a magnificent smile and an amazing sense of rhythm; she loved to dance her mambos and merengues.

 Widowed at the age 40, she and her two daughters called themselves “The Three Musketeers” as they found their way after Elliot’s death. Olga started her career in retail, which suited her because she was a true fashionista. She had a natural sense of style and believed one should always look their best.

 Olga, or “GG” as she was affectionately called by her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren was heartbroken by the horrific murder of her oldest grandson, James Wright Foley, conflict journalist of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and the passing of her youngest daughter, Rita Wright Colina, of Houston, Texas.

 She is survived by her daughter, Diane Wright Foley and son-in-law, Dr. John W. Foley of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and by her son-in-law, Fernando J. Colina of Madrid, Spain and Houston, Texas. 

 She was forever proud of her seven grandchildren, Joseph L. Colina of Cambodia; Maria L. Colina of Paris, France; Michael and Kristie Foley of North Andover, Massachusetts; John E. Foley of Springfield, Illinois; Mark and Julia Foley of Ipswich, MA; Katie and Brad Simpson of North Andover, MA. 

Her family is grateful for the expert medical care given by Dr. Pamela Schultze of Wentworth-Douglas Hospital which allowed Olga to live many healthy years into her nineties.  Sincere thanks also to the devoted hospice team of Cornerstone VNA, particularly Jeff Mitchell RN, Kristie MSW and Jayme LNA, and the generosity and kindness of all members of the Dover Fire and Rescue team.

 All are welcome to her Celebration of Life Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church 40 Main St. in Salem NH on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11 am followed by lunch in Olga’s honor at Blackwater Grill 43 Pelham Road, Salem NH.

In lieu of flowers, If wishing to honor Olga, please consider a donation to one of the following charities, who made a difference in her life. Sincere gratitude.

 Cornerstone VNA Hospice, Dover Fire and Rescue, Hyder Hospice House,The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation.

 Arrangements are by the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home 42 Main Street Salem, NH. To leave an online condolence, please visit Olga’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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