The Rev. Dr. Fran Toy

1934 - 2024

The Rev. Dr. Fran Toy
08/09/1934 - 12/28/2024
Born in Oakland, California, August 9, 1934 and called home December 28, 2024 while surrounded by her loving children. Her wish to pass peacefully and with dignity in her own home. Fran was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2007. Neither her PCP nor her Oncologist had ever treated a patient who lived with liver cancer for 17 years. Both told her that her positive mental attitude and well wishes and prayers from around the world contributed to her longevity.
A cradle Episcopalian, in 1985, Fran became the first Asian American Episcopal Priest in the worldwide Anglican Communion. She was predeceased by her loving and devoted husband, Art. Fran and Art were happily married for sixty-three years. Also predeceasing her was her elder sister and partner in crime, Gladys. Fran is survived by her daughter Tamara (Tami) Grace Toy Van Cleve (Mark), her son, Glendon (Glen) George Toy, and her brother, Tom Yee. Fran is also survived by half-siblings Ray Yee, Janis Mora, Phyllis Wong and Elise Yee.
Fran was a dedicated and beloved kindergarten teacher (with "Toy" as a last name, how could she not be) before attending seminary at CDSP.
When Fran was diagnosed with liver cancer she continued to live each and every day, giving thanks to God.
A world-traveler, Fran visited six of the seven continents with Art, but whenever asked about her favorite place, she named home.
After her diagnosis, Fran increased her travels and was an Elite member of Princess Cruises and a Diamond member of Cunard. She had the privilege of sailing on QE2, QM2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. A future cruise on the Queen Anne was never fulfilled.
As Disney fans, Fran, Art and family visited every Disney Park in the world and Fran especially enjoyed riding It's a Small World multiple times in a row.
A celebration of her life and will be held on Pentecost, Sunday, June 8, the 40th anniversary of her ordination to the priesthood at 10:00 am at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1707 Gouldin Road, Oakland, CA 94611.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Art and Fran Toy Scholarship Fund at Fran's home parish, St. John's Episcopal Church.