Susan K. Toll

Generous In Spirit,

Beloved By Many

Susan K. Toll, 82, of Newtown, died November 16, at Filosa Nursing Home, in Danbury. She was born in New York City, January 5, 1928, the oldest daughter of Ruth (Goss) and Sidney G. Kelley.

She is survived by her three children, Stephen W. Toll, Michael B. Toll, and Molly Toll-Reed; six grandchildren; her brother Sidney G. Kelley, Jr, of Ridgefield; and her sister Joan (Kelley) Edler of Cornwall. In addition to her parents, Mrs Toll was predeceased by her husband Oliver “Will” Wolcott Toll, Jr.; and daughter, Catherine Toll.

She graduated from Forest Hills High School, Queens, 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 and instructor, horse trainer, and breeder, Mrs Toll became interested in horses as a youngster when her family spent summers in Cornwall, and she cared for neighbors’ horses for 25 cents an hour. She started teaching horseback riding at Pocono Farm in the 1960s. She later 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, Mrs Toll also helped to develop the university’s equestrian program.

An enthusiastic, energetic, and caring person, she 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 C.H. Booth Library, Newtown Bridle Lanes, the Newtown Forest Association, and as a volunteer at Danbury Hospital.

A survivor of scarlet fever and Lyme disease, Mrs Toll will be dearly missed by a wide community of neighbors, friends, and family. Even as her capacities were diminished by Lewy body dementia, she 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 some…some… mixed blessings.”

A service celebrating her life and friendships will take place Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 2 pm, at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown. 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 Street, Newtown CT 06470; Bryn Mawr College, 101 North Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr PA 19010; or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock AR 72202.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is assisting the family.

The Newtown Bee   November 26, 2010