Mary Toohy Hyson, longtime resident of Cos Cob, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on June 24. She spent her 93 years well, always looking on the bright side of things and greeting everyone with a smile. Ever warm and welcoming, Mary strove to find the good in all people.
Mary was one of five children born to Loretta and John Joseph Toohy. Raised in Rye, N.Y. She attended Resurrection School and Rye High School, and was a 1951 graduate of Wellesley College. Her childhood and college friends were peers she kept close throughout her many years.
Mary worked at IBM World Trade as an executive assistant and as a bilingual secretary at the United Nations headquarters. Later in life, she spent many years working for investment professionals, GE Capital and GE Investments until retiring in 1995.
The love of Mary’s life was a classic Wellesley-MIT match. In 1961, mutual college friends introduced Mary to Frank Hyson. They quickly realized their friends’ good judgment and married the following spring. The couple lived in Rye before moving to Cos Cob.
Mary invested her boundless energy in her family. She always tried to pack as much as she could into a vacation, outing or daily life. She combined playdates with her tennis game, and her daughters got to know every park with a tennis court in Greenwich, Connecticut. She was close to her siblings and developed rich bonds with Frank’s family as well.
Along with her sister Peggy, Mary planned frequent adventures for the cousins. Every school holiday was a chance to go to a museum or park. Following a pattern from childhood, she ensured her daughters loved trips to the library as much as she did. Her love of libraries was the focus of her volunteer activities over many years. Mary volunteered in the Greenwich Catholic School library, served on the board of directors for the Friends of the Cos Cob Library, and spent many wonderful Tuesday afternoons with the Sit-n-Stitch craft group.
Mary lived out her faith through service as a Religious Education teacher, eucharistic minister, St Agnes Guild member, and cooking for Pacific House as a member of St. Agnes Parish. Active in Girl Scouts while growing up, she was a leader for troops in Rye and Greenwich.
Mary is survived by her sister Margaret Sweeney (Robert), daughters Kathleen (Dave Accurso), Rosemary (David Junius), and Anne (Matt Southworth). She treasured all her grandchildren: Mary (Jason), Caroline, Christianne, Joseph, Finbar, Clare, Isaac, Lia, and CJ as well as many nieces and nephews. Sister-in-law Helen Miller (Clayton) was a beloved friend. Mary was predeceased by her brothers J. Thomas Toohy, Msgr William J. Toohy, and R. Peter Toohy.
Calling hours will be Sunday June 30, from 2-5 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford, Connecticut.