Search by Name

Search by Name

MARY MON TOY Obituary

MON TOY--Mary, 93, died on December 7, 2009 in her beloved New York City. A triple threat: Latin Quarter showgirl; original Broadway cast member in The World of Suzy Wong and House of Flowers; on television on Kojak, Ryan's Hope, Teahouse of the August Moon, I Spy and Drs. Hospital; in movies in Airplane II and Bob Fosse's All That Jazz. She was the first Asian runway model in Paris. Born in Hawaii, her family moved to Seattle in the 1920's only to be uprooted and sent to the Minidoka Japanese American Internment Camp after Pearl Harbor. She left the camp in 1944 on a scholarship to Juilliard procured by Eleanor Roosevelt. The rest of her life was spent in New York City where she was an active member of Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA and Actors' Equity, and generous supporter of The Actors Fund, animal rights and The Japanese American National Museum. A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, January 31 at 1pm. Call 212-580-0052 for information.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for MARY MON TOY

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Momo Yashima

February 14, 2011

Mary Mon Toy will be dearly missed...

Stan Schnier

February 7, 2010

Mary was my neighbor for the last 30 years. When my wife and I adopted a young boy, it was Mary who first reached out to us. She 'hired' our 8 year old to walk her dog after school several days a week. It was obvious the dog was well walked. But as I got to know Mary it became apparent that she was doing this to make our son feel more connected to the strange new world of a New York City apartment building. She was a thoughtful and amusing friend. I used to leave little 'goody bags' on her door from Zabars and Fairway. She always knew who left them. And she always returned in kind with the most thoughtful phone messages and notes. Mary was a good friend and fine neighbor. I will miss her and her wonderful stories about her years on Broadway. Marnie Mueller, her closest confidante arranged for a fitting memorial tribute for Mary's friends, neighbors, and most importantly, her family at the home of Michael Estwanik, a gracious host, last Sunday. I will never forget Mary. RIP with your ancestors.
With Love,
Stan Schnier

stan schnier

February 7, 2010

Mary was my neighbor for the last 30 years. When my wife and I adopted a young boy, it was Mary who first reached out to us. She 'hired' our 8 year old to walk her dog after school several days a week. It was obvious the dog was well walked. But as I got to know Mary it became apparent that she was doing this to make our son feel more connected to the strange new world of a New York City apartment building. She was a thoughtful and amusing friend. I used to leave little 'goody bags' on her door from Zabars and Fairway. She always knew who left them. Mary was a good friend and fine neighbor. I will miss her and her wonderful stories about her years on Broadway.
With Love,
Stan Schnier

Fred Dobb

February 1, 2010

By any measure, Mary had a remarkable life. She was a trailblazer for Asians in the US entertainment industry. Her work in House of Flowers alongside a distinguished cast will long be remembered.

Bridgette Robeson

February 1, 2010

So many who counted are gone...but never forgotten.

January 30, 2010

I never knew Ms. Mon Toy but her obituary tesifiies to a life well-lived. Inspiring and courageous.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in MARY MON TOY's name

Memorial Events
for MARY MON TOY

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor MARY MON TOY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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