Eileen Foley was born in Portsmouth and has lived there all her life. She is a graduate of Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York and she served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. She was the third of four daughters born to Charles and Mary Carey Dondero and her background is rich in both Italian and Irish heritage. Her mother was the first woman mayor of Portsmouth, a rare occurrence in the 1940s.

Her political career entails working in national, state and local arenas and she enjoyed serving seven terms as the New Hampshire State Senator from the 24th District. She held the position of Minority Leader during one of these terms.