Obituary of Jean Margaret Toy

Jean Margaret Toy (nee Hester), at age 84, of Rockville Centre, NY, passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice in Rockville Centre on February 4, 2021.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Jean is the daughter of the late Edward (Eddie) Hester and the late Jean (McEwan) Hester. Jean was preceded in death in 1995 by John (Jack) Toy, her husband of 38 years at the time of his death. Jean is survived by their five children Eileen, Brian, Edward, Jean Marie, and John Jr.; three daughters-in-law Jacqueline, Lauren, and Debbie; seven grandchildren Emily, Christine, Aiden, Ian, Brian, Matt, and Jack; her sister-in-law Jean (Horn) Hester; her childhood friend of over 70 years Nancy (Stevens) Lynch; her dear friend Thomas Molloy and his sizeable family; her large extended family of nieces & nephews, grand-nieces & nephews, great-grand-nieces & nephews; and friends too numerous to count.

Jean graduated in 1954 from St. Brendan's Diocesan High School for Girls in Brooklyn, NY. After raising a family with Jack and helping her five children achieve their college degrees, Jean returned to her studies, completing a one-year program leading to an accreditation as a Certified Alcoholism Counselor (CAC) in 1984.  While working in the counseling field, Jean continued her studies, and in 1992, received her Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY Empire State College, Westbury, NY, with certification in Family Counseling & Social Work.

In her youth, Jean carried on her Glaswegian family’s traditions and became a championship highland dancer, winning many medals and awards.  Jean competed in Scottish Games throughout the US and performed at The Scottish National Theater in Glasgow, Scotland in 1948. Jean’s highland dancing success led her to modeling engagements for print advertising and appearances on TV in the early days of the medium.

Jean was actively involved in her children’s activities in their youth, supporting a multitude of sports and scholastic activities, her daughters in the Girl Scouts, 4-H, her sons in Scouting, including being a cub scout den mother. Jean enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events and traveled far and wide to support her grandchildren in all that they did.

Jean and her siblings ensured that their children would know each other, hosting many family gatherings when her children were growing up, such that her children, nieces, and nephews formed lifelong friendships, for which her children are extremely grateful. Jean hosted the family’s “cousins party” on the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s for many years, and the tradition has been carried on by the next generation, with a slight change of name to “Hestivus”.

Prior to her marriage, Jean was employed in the banking industry as a teller. After her children were in school, Jean returned to work in the trade show industry in New York City, and later worked at a shelter for battered and abused women. After receiving her accreditation as a Certified Alcoholism Counselor (CAC), Jean was employed as a family counselor for drug and alcohol addiction at South Oaks Hospital in Amityville, NY. Jean counseled numerous women, children, and their families throughout her career.

In retirement, Jean enjoyed traveling with friends and family.  Her travels took her across the globe to China, to Europe including Russia, Italy, France, and Germany, to relatives in Scotland and Ireland, to many national parks in the US, winters in Florida, as well as visiting her children’s homes on Long Island, upstate NY, Maine, and California.  Jean also became an avid golfer in retirement and enjoyed many hours learning and playing the game.

Jean was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Anthony’s Parish in Oceanside, NY. She was a member of the parish’s Consolation Ministry, giving comfort to those who lost loved ones. Jean’s faith guided her throughout her life.

Jean was an avid knitter and crochetier, producing many baby blankets for her grandchildren and other new additions to the extended family. Jean was an avid reader, plowing through a great many books in record time.  With the support of her grandchildren, and occasionally her children, Jean kept up with modern technology, including using a smartphone, email, and Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends.

A private in-person service will be held on February 19, 2021 at 11:00am at Thomas A. Glynn & Son Funeral Home, 20 Lincoln Ave, Rockville Centre, NY, 11570 (516-766-4700).  The service will be live streamed via Zoom for those who wish to attend virtually.  Please click here for the Zoom link for the service, or see the Zoom meeting information below. A private burial will follow at St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in whichever way you wish.  In remembrance of Jean’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Bethany House: Sheltering women and children in crisis on Long Island (Bethany House, 102 Whitehouse Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575); Good Shepherd Hospice in Rockville Centre, NY (Good Shepherd Hospice, Development Dept., 110 Bi-County Blvd, Ste 114, Farmingdale, NY 11735); or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Good Shepherd Hospice for helping us through this difficult time.

ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION:

John Glynn is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Jean Margaret Toy Funeral Service
Time: Feb 19, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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