Mary Toaso Obituary
Born November 10th, 1957 to Rosemarie Youhas and Louis G. Toaso., Mar lived her rambunctious young life in Shelton, CT with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends nearby.
Mar was strong willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. She was generous, loyal, and brave. She was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of her life experiences: RN, BSN, an Oncology Nurse, a Research Nurse for Yale University and at the Veterans Hospital in West Haven, CT.
Her love of beaches and all sea creatures brought her to Florida where she purchased her home in Punta Gorda. Last year on July 4th, Mar took the Peace River swim challenge and completed a 1.5 mile jaunt across the river.
Mar had a deep love for plants, trees and flowers. If you couldn't find her, she was always in the yard. She also loved all animals but especially her Jaxie and Oleo who predeceased her as well as her puppy Gracie Adele.
She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. She truly loved each of them- and if you knew her, you knew it. Her brother Thomas Smith predeceased her. She is survived by her sister Barbara Freedman, soulmate Marie Souza, brother-in-law Jay Freedman, three nieces: Sara Dort Relus, Erica Freedman and Haley Freedman as well as her great niece and joy of her life, Violet Nola Fitzgerald.
When her time came, she carried herself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before her. She will be missed dearly.
Her celebration of life will be held in Punta Gorda, FL on June 10th, 2023. In true Mar fashion, the family asks that you wear bright colors to symbolize her light spirit, thirst for adventure and all around joy.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Glowa
August 1, 2023
Mary and I were neighbors on Cedarwood Lane. Something just told me that Mary might have passed away. I just realized that I hadn't seen any of her Facebook posts in a while. I googled her name and there was her name and picture. I am so very sorry. The last time I saw Mary was at a funeral service for my brother Andy. She and her Mom Rosie attended. She was my friend when we were kids and a good family friend. We spent quite a few hot summer days in her family's swimming pool and it was always great when we were invited over for a swim. We had a great bunch of kids on Cedarwood Lane and many wonderful memories. Those were good times.
Mira Luna Po
June 11, 2023
We may not have pictures together but this human being touches my heart too much. Her love for me was so true and she was so caring and thoughtful. I love her too much too. How I wish shes still around. Condolences to the bereaved family and to her sweethearts. Thank you for your life, Mar! How I wish that we could have more time together and talk-time together at an earlier time of our lives, so we could have well spent life together as dearest friends. I love you truly my Dear. Thanks for everything. God is with you now and please rest peacefully.
Erica
June 7, 2023
What can I say Auntie Mar? You were wonderful. We had so many shared qualities. Thanks for your stubbornness! It makes me stronger. I love you forever and will miss you endlessly.
Sherri Rosenthal
June 6, 2023
I've only known Mar for a few years, but it seems as we have been friends for a life time. That's how she made you feel. Mar always made you laugh, although she never realized how funny she was.
I will treasure the wonderful times I had with Mar, along with her family, but I will surely miss the times that will never be.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sara
June 6, 2023
JAY K. FREEDMAN
June 6, 2023
NO ONE COULD MAKE YOU FEEL SO GREAT ABOUT YOURSELF. THAT WAS MAR. A TRULY GENUINE PERSON THAT I MISS A BUNCH!
Barbara Freedman
June 6, 2023
My baby sister. The world is less bright without you. We made so many plans and they were just not to be. I feel you beside me and hope you are boating all over the universe. I love you and miss you and wait until we meet again.
Your loving sister, Barb
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Toaso's name
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Toaso's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
