Mabel Tobin

Mabel Frances "Fanny May" Tobin, 100, passed away quietly at her home in Gambrills on May 2, 2023. Born February 2, 1923, in Gambrills, MD, she was preceded in death by her parents, Carroll R. Thomas, Sr. and Virginia C. Thomas (née Joyce); sister, Virginia C. Thomas and brother, Carroll R. Thomas, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John R. Tobin, Jr. and infant son Terrance H. Tobin. Survivors include three daughters, Mary F. Tobin (Matthew), Colleen C. Turpin, Patricia A. Zuknick (Kenneth), and two sons, John R. Tobin III (Renee) and Joseph R. Tobin (Susan), all of Gambrills, as well as 13 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.    After graduating from Annapolis High School, she worked for the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. She learned to fly planes during WWII, and volunteered to help deliver supplies to the soldiers. She wed John R. Tobin, Jr., a distinguished WWII veteran originally of Pottsville, PA, in 1948 at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.    She was a lifelong conservationist and organic gardener, putting acreage aside for habitat restoration. She passed on her passion for the environment, plants, birds, and her gardening skills to her family. Those who knew her described her as kind and sweet, while standing up for her beliefs, and all were better off for having known her.    The family will be having a private burial service. Donations may be made in her name to National Wildlife Federation (www.nsf.org).