TOYO BIDDLE

BIDDLE Toyo Biddle A lifelong advocate for human rights, an outdoor enthusiast, a jazz aficionado, and an accomplished photographer, died February 12, 2018 in Summit, NJ of complications related to a long illness. She began her career in the federal government in 1968, working to advance civil rights for disadvantaged students, minorities, and women, including four years as Director of Asian American Affairs in the former Department of Health, Education, & Welfare. For the next 20 years, Toyo worked tirelessly to improve and, at times, manage the Department of Health & Human Services' refugee resettlement and immigrant services, focusing on helping the Hmong population. She took that expertise and passion to New York City, where she was instrumental in developing One Stop Job Centers to provide eligibility and support services. When she moved to Vermont, Toyo continued her advocacy work on behalf of refugees. Toyo was a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother and a loyal and devoted friend, who challenged herself and all who knew her to increase fairness and equity for people in need. She is survived by three daughters, Cornelia Schafer, husband Scott, and children Alex and Olivia; Ann Biddle and children Nell and Yoshi Sanders; Christina Biddle, husband Philip Suraci, and their daughter Nicola Suraci; and her brother, Terry Uyeyama. Her friends remember her infectious laugh, fierce drive and ethics, and love for a good bridge game. Toyo attended Brown University and received her B.A. from George Washington University and her MSW from Catholic University. After college, she lived in Thailand and New York City before moving to Washington, DC. After retiring from the federal government, Toyo and her husband, Chuck Schultz, led an active and engaged life in New York City and Vermont before his death in 2005. Her prior marriages to Stark Biddle and Steve Cummings ended in divorce. Despite health issues, Toyo maintained her strong connection to family and friends and an active interest in policy and politics until her death. A celebration of Toyo's life will be held at a later date. Donations in Toyo's name may be made to the International Rescue Committee at www.rescue.org (tribute donation) or by calling 1-855-973-7283.A celebration of Toyo's life will be held at a later date. Donations in Toyo's name may be made to the International Rescue Committee at www.rescue.org (tribute donation) or by calling 1-855-973-7283.