Josephinn Toso

Josephinn Toso Jo passed away peacefully at home in San Rafael on September 27, 2010. She was born on July 9, 1929, in Ontario, California and raised there and in San Francisco where she attended Presentation High School and Indian Valley College. She raised her family in Marin County and resided in Guerneville for 20 years before returning to San Rafael in 1997. Jo's life was full of service: tutoring elementary school students in Marin City, volunteering for the American Cancer Society, teaching catechism and organic gardening, landscaping at Saint Hilary's Church in Tiburon, collecting relief supplies for the victims of far-away earthquakes, supporting the United Farm Workers, and involving herself in many other volunteer projects. Jo was a conversationalist, nature lover, artist, organic gardener, party decorator, peace marcher, free thinker, crossword puzzler, tennis player, horoscope reader, repairwoman, cart-wheeler, seamstress, composter, cat lover, boat rower, and a strong believer in the power of prayer. Jo had the gift of storytelling and a great sense of humor. She helped countless people find their way to healthier living through her example and support. She worked for 10 years at the Tibetan Culture House in San Rafael, where she touched many people with her kind words and a smile. She is survived by her son, Robert Toso II (wife Suzanna), and daughters Julie Anderson (husband Donald) and Anna Toso (sweetheart Nick), grandchildren Ryan, Michael, Ian, Camille, Dana and Marc, her brother Raymond (wife Natalie), and many nieces and nephews. A Mass will be said for Jo at 11:00 am on October 9 at the Church of Saint Rafael, 1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael CA. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm at the Rotary Manor Apartments, 1821 Fifth Ave, San Rafael CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Marin Foodbank, 75 Digital Drive # 4, Novato CA 94949, www.marinfoodbank.org