Obituary of Brenda Toomath

Brenda Winne Toomath passed away on July 27th in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her family. Although she has physically left this earth, her spirit remains in each and every person she has touched, and that is many. Her love for music and art continue to live through her children and grandchildren along with her love for cooking and baking. Her kindness and unconditional love lives on in all those who have known her. We feel blessed that she is now resting in peace and in comfort. She will be deeply missed because she was so deeply loved. She had a well-lived life because she has touched and influenced so many and we are all so thankful for all the people who have provided her joy, friendship, and comfort throughout the years. In the words of one of her grandsons and thoughts shared by many, "She was the most amazing kind, talented, intelligent, and loving woman I have ever known. She gave her compassion and warmth to everyone expecting nothing in return. She created a home where you could go and receive love, advice, and warmth. If everyone had one tenth of her empathy, compassion, and love, the world would be a much better place." Brenda Winne Toomath was born on July 7th, 1940 in Gilbertsville, New York to her parents William and Marion Winne. She resided the majority of her life with her husband, Robert Toomath and their six children; Michelle Koen (John Koen) , Shawn Toomath, Valerie Danielson (Scott Danielson), Matthew Toomath (Alicia Dempsey Toomath), Heather Cigeroglu (Cengiz Cigeroglu), and Aaron Toomath. She married Robert in 1958 and they just celebrated their 57th Anniversary this past July 13th. She is survived by her husband, the six children mentioned above and their spouses, 15 grandchildren, and a younger sister, Darla Congden. Family has always been of great importance to Brenda. As a child she spent her days on the farm of her grandparents, Herbert and Dawn Lilley, with her sisters and many cherished cousins. She showed cows at the State Fair. On many occasions she had lead roles in her school's musicals and adored being in band. She was able to play practically any instrument by ear and had a gorgeous voice. Once married, her focus shifted to raising her children. She still maintained strong ties to her parents and extended family. In 1971, she and her husband opened the Ye Olde Pizza Pub. Throughout her years, she loved to draw and paint and attempted to do so if and when she ever found time to do so, which was rare given her busy life. However, after she retired, she took up painting with gusto! She joined the Leatherstocking Decorative Artists League and National Society of Tole & Decorative Painters in Syracuse,NY and built many cherished friendships and memories. We invite anyone who would like to come and share with us wonderful memories of her to a casual outdoor celebration of life in her honor on Sunday, August 2nd, from 1-4pm, behind the Ye Olde Pizza Pub. In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider instead donating to in her memory to: John Hopkins Biliary Cancer Research c/o Dr. Pedram Argani Johns Hopkins Hospital Weinberg / Room 2242Dr. Argani 401 Broadway Baltimore, MD 21231-2410 Please write "In memory of Brenda Toomath" in the note area http://pathology2.jhu.edu/gbbd/giving.cfm To extend an online condolence, please visit taitfuneralhome.com