Sally Tobin

Sally Tobin NORFOLK - Sarah Maguire Tobin, 72, died Saturday, July 3, 2010 of a heart attack after a long battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Lorraine Gold Maguire. A New Jersey native, Sally spent her adult life serving the Navy with her husband, guiding the family through 30 moves in 36 years. A 1960 graduate of Cornell University, she also studied at Sorbonne University, Paris, France, and pursued graduate studies at George Washington University. She was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. Professionally, Sally was an instructor at St. Mary's College and a substitute teacher in many school systems. She held two positions with Navy Federal Credit Union, first supporting the Field Operations division at headquarters and later working as a loan counselor in Newport, R.I. As an active member of Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, Sally helped establish its soup kitchen. She served as vestry member and coordinated volunteers for Christ and St. Luke's Homework Club, through which she fell in love with the children of Monroe Elementary School. Sally sponsored USS Pioneer, a Minesweeper commissioned in 1990. She contributed more than 5000 hours to the Navy Relief Society and was a volunteer with the Maine Maritime Museum. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Association of University Women, the Navy League, The Monday Club, the Fortnightly Study Club, and the Royster Circle of The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, to name a few. She was a docent at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and served on the boards of Volunteer Hampton Roads and the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Sally was also first mate aboard the good ship Bluejacket. Sally is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Byron E. Tobin; her daughter, the Rev. Meredith Tobin Heffner and her husband Douglas of Fairfax; her son, Byron E. Tobin III and his wife Janet of Lilburn, Ga.; her sister, the Rev. Peggy M. Bernhard and husband Bob of Corvallis, Ore.; six grandchildren, Sarah, Cole, Grace, Tradd, Zachary and Kathleen; many other well loved family and friends. Sally was a woman of integrity, passion, grace, civility and good humor. A great lady, wife and mother - this wonderful shipmate loved us all. A celebration of Sally's life will be held in Norfolk at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Thursday, July 15, at 3 p.m. with inurnment in the church columbarium. The Rev. Jess Stribling will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ForKids, 4200 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23508. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www. hdoliver.com. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel, is handling arrangements.