Susan K. Toll

Susan K. Toll, 82, of Newtown, died Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at Filosa Nursing Home in Danbury. Sue was born in New York City on January 5, 1928, the oldest daughter of Sidney G. and Ruth (Goss) Kelley. She is survived by her brother Sidney G. Kelley, Jr. of Ridgefield; her sister Joan (Kelley) Edler of Cornwall; her three children, Stephen W. Toll, Michael B. Toll, and Molly Toll-Reed; and six grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Sue was predeceased by her husband Oliver Wolcott (Will) Toll, Jr. and daughter Catherine Toll. Sue graduated from Forest Hills High School, Queens, NYC in 1945 and Bryn Mawr College in 1949, and married O. Wolcott Toll, Jr. in the same year. The couple moved to Newtown in 1951, living first on Parmalee Hill Road, then at Pocono Farm on Pocono Road in 1954, where they raised their four children. A self-taught and accomplished equestrian rider and instructor, horse trainer and breeder, Sue became interested in horses as a youngster when her family spent summers in Cornwall, where she cared for neighbors' horses for 25 cents an hour. She started teaching horseback riding at Pocono Farm in the 1960's. Later she moved her teaching practice to Open Gate Stables in Newtown and then to the Mountain Valley Farm in Southbury. An Assistant Professor at Post University in Waterbury. for many years, Sue also helped to develop the University's equestrian program. An enthusiastic, energetic and caring person, Sue developed many lasting friendships through activities and interests that tended to involve animals, gardening and the outdoors. She contributed much of her time and leadership to a wide variety of organizations including 4-H, Pony Club, the Connecticut Dressage Association, the Newtown Garden Club, Friends of the Newtown Library, Newtown Bridle Lanes, the Newtown Forest Association, and as a volunteer at Danbury Hospital. A survivor of Scarlet Fever and Lyme Disease, Sue will be dearly missed by a wide community of neighbors, friends and family. Even as her capacities were diminished by Lewy Body Dementia, Sue maintained her humor and generous spirit. When asked one day if she would like some freshly washed grapes or strawberries, she replied, "I'd like some grapes and somesome mixed blessings." A service celebrating Sue's life and friendships will be held Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown, CT. All are welcome to attend a reception at the church immediately following the service. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470 (203) 426-4533; Bryn Mawr College, 101 North Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, (610) 526-5000; or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202, (800) 422-0474. The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown is assisting the family.