SARATOGA SPRINGS — Myrtle “Toby” Koehler passed away Friday, October 18.
With a smile that rivaled the brilliance of the sun, she brought beauty, wit and charm to the world around her.
Toby was born on September 11, 1923, in Newport, Rhode Island in a Navy hospital to Commander Joseph and Mary (Gately) Tobin.
Toby grew up the in San Diego, Philadelphia and Mare Island, California. It was in Mare Island, where her father served as the Executive Officer, Naval Ammunition Depot at the outbreak of WWII, where Toby met and married Vincent J. Koehler, a handsome Naval Officer hospitalized with a military injury at the Mare Island hospital.
They made their life together in Scotia, then Saratoga Springs, where they did a fabulous job of raising their four children: V. James (Jim) Koehler, Jr. (Tina); Kate Paige (David Tuma); Elizabeth Hirschhorn (Dr. Phil); and Julia Busch (Chris). Her husband predeceased her in May, 2005.
In addition to her four children, Toby is survived by four grandchildren (Erika Ferracane (Michael); Jacob Koehler; Christopher Busch; and Rebecca Busch; and one great-grandson, Valentino James Ferracane.
Thank you, Mom. You were the best Mom in the world, instilling in us a love for beauty, family, and adventure. You are with us always.
An informal, intimate service was held for Toby at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs on Sunday, October 20. Toby will be interred next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the animal rescue league, (http://www.animalleague.org/support/how-your-can-help/honorary-gifts.html). Toby especially loved poodles, springer spaniels and Brittanys.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
