Toby Ruth Lieberman

1/28/1929 - 1/28/2026

New London - Toby Ruth (Hendel) Lieberman was born Jan. 28, 1929, in New London, the second child of Bernard T. and Janet Shapiro Hendel, and passed away on her ninety-seventh birthday Jan. 28, 2026.

Jan. 8, 1950, Toby married Jules "Judd" Lieberman in a double wedding ceremony shared with her sister. Together they built a loving family and raised three daughters: Linda Lieberman (David Houde) of Waterford; Sandra (Ralph) Hansen of Albuquerque, N.M.; and Donna (Charles) Mcllwain of Winterville, Maine.

Toby was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jules, who passed away May 28, 2005. She was also predeceased by her sister, Rose Gertner; her brothers, Sander Hendel and Philip A. Hendel; her step-grandson, David Houde III; and her nephew, Samuel Gertner.

She is survived by her three daughters and their spouses, eight nephews, and one niece.

Beyond raising her three daughters, the only employment Toby ever had outside the home was working for her father, first at I. W. Denison and later at Nutmeg Toy House. Her true life's work, however, was caring for family and creating a home that welcomed everyone. Toby was an extraordinary hostess whose home became the gathering place for family across generations. It was not uncommon for relatives, often entire families, to stay for weekends or longer, filling the house with conversation, laughter and warmth. Through her generosity, attentiveness, and open door, Toby became the heart and soul of the family and its beloved matriarch. Even in her final days, while in hospice care, family members continued to come and go, staying in the house simply to be near her - a testament to the love and sense of belonging she fostered throughout her life.

Toby was well known for her baking, especially her chocolate chip cookies and apple pie, which became family favorites and lasting traditions; visitors always left with a tin of her chocolate chip cookies. She and Jules spent many years as snowbirds in Florida and Toby continued to enjoy her time there even after Jules's passing.

Toby will be remembered for her devotion to family, her warmth, her generosity, and the home she created - one that always had room for one or two more.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers whose kindness, dedication, and support brought comfort to Toby and her loved ones during her final days.

Donations in Toby's name can be made to Hadassah, Chabad of Eastern Connecticut or Congregation Ahavath Chesed.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Interment will follow in Ahavath Chesed Cemetery in Waterford. Condolences may be shared on Mrs. Lieberman's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.