Mary E. Toomey

Mary Elizabeth Toomey "Mary Beth" died after a long struggle with kidney disease on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, while in hospice care at Kane Community Center, Glen Hazel. A native of Hazelwood who grew up in Whitehall, she was born on April 18, 1953, and was preceded in death by her parents, John J. Toomey and Mary Catherine (O'Shea) Toomey, as well as her brother Daniel M. Toomey. She is survived by numerous cousins: the Kelemen's - Ed Kelemen, Mary K. (Norm) McDonald, Patty (Richard) Hartman, Ken (Marlene) Kelemen, Keith (Barb) Kelemen and Terry (Ron) Wetmore; the O'Reillys: Larry (Eileen) O'Reilly, Brian O'Reilly, Vince (Angela) O'Reilly; Jackie Walters and Lisa (Joe) Alfonsi; Dr. Dan (Pauline) Blackwell and the O'Sheas. A fervent feminist, Mary Beth was particularly proud of the advanced degrees she earned at the University of Pittsburgh in Developmental Psychology, School of Education (M.A. in 1980 and Ph.D. in 1985) and the work she did with children. She enjoyed traveling and exploring her Irish heritage, visiting Ireland multiple times, studying at Trinity College, and learning Galic. Although Mary Beth could be prickly at times (as anyone who has received her piercing stare is aware), she was generous with her time and attention, volunteering for many worthy non-profits over the years. The family appreciates the excellent care given to Mary Beth over the past five years by all of her Kane family. Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at St. Raphael Church, St. Jude Parish 1154 Chislett Street, Pgh., PA 15206. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. Memorial donations may be made in Mary Beth's name at Just Harvest 16 Terminal Way Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or The Kane Foundation 955 Rivermont Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15207.  Charles Danforth, Supervisor.
 

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