Florence Toomey

Florence Toomey, age 88, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, October 31, 2009, in Park Village Health Care Center at Dover.A daughter of the late Carl and Helen (Valentine) Brown, Florence was born at Wade, Ohio in Washington County on May 9, 1921.A graduate of Marietta High School, Florence went on to obtain her formal education from The Ohio State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Music Education.In 1943, Florence began her teaching career with the New Philadelphia City Schools and would go on to teach at the Tuscarawas County Schools prior to completing a twenty-one year tenure with the Dover City Schools.Florence married Tom Toomey on October 14, 1945, and together the couple would rear two daughters.Throughout her lifetime Florence held affiliations with a number of organizations which included serving as the past president of Delta Kappa Gamma and The McDowell Music Study Club as well as serving as a 4-H club advisor. Additionally, Florence was involved with the Dover and New Philadelphia Educators Associations, The American Association of University Women, The Tuscarawas Valley AARP and also held a life membership with the Tuscarawas County Retired Teachers Association. Florence was also a member of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia and had previously served as the choir director for the First Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia.Florence leaves behind a family which includes her two daughters, Toniann Amadio of Saginaw, Michigan and Teresa (Frank) Cosenza of Mentor, Ohio.Two grandchildren, Frank Cosenza, II and Maria L Cosenza as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, who passed away on July 17, 1997; a son-in-law, John Amadio and six brothers.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, from 4:00 â?? 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Hugh B. Berry will lead a funeral service celebrating Florence’s life at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 5, 2009, in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia.Following services, the family will host guests in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Memorial contributions in Florence’s name may be directed to The Ohio Foundation for Music Education, 5379 West Mill, Drive, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143 or the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, P.O. Box 406, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.