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Joan Toner Obituary

Joan A. (Nobis) Toner, beloved wife of Brigadier General Richard J. Toner, USAF (Ret), passed away on June 11th, 2008, from complications of diabetes and heart disease. Joan was born in Medford, MA, on February 8, 1935, the daughter of the late Edward N. and Lilliane (Noble) Nobis. She attended public schools in Medford and then graduated from Boston College, a member of the university's first co-ed class. She taught elementary education for one year in Medford, and then began a 30 year odyssey of world travels as an Air Force wife. During their career, the Toners lived in six countries in Europe and Asia as well as 12 states within the U.S. She continued her teaching career intermittently in Florida, France, Kansas and Ohio. After her children started school, Joan turned her talents and effort to volunteer services at each of the bases where they were assigned. She was an active member of the Officers' Wives Clubs, Family Services, and served in many other programs in the off-base communities where they lived, including childhood and adult literacy programs. After her husband retired from military service in 1987, the couple purchased and operated a country inn in Lenox, MA, owning the business until 1999 when they retired and moved to Colorado Springs. Joan was a volunteer in literacy programs in retirement as well as a facilitator for language improvement for newcomers to America. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her exceptional courage and integrity along with a unique combination of indomitable mental and moral strength and incredible gentleness. She was the loving and devoted mother of three children: Scott Toner of Stafford, VA, Christine Moody and her husband Michael of Merritt Island, FL and Daniel Toner and his wife Anne of Southampton, England. She also leaves two grandchildren, Daniel and Colleen Moody. A memorial service will be celebrated at the US Air Force Academy Memorial Pavilion at the Academy cemetery at 10:30 AM on June 18th, followed by inurnment at the Columbarium. After the service, a reception will be held in Joan's honor at Doolittle Hall (the Association of Graduates headquarters). In lieu of flowers, a remembrance in her name can be sent to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Jun. 13 to Jun. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Toner

Not sure what to say?





Louise Romano

June 7, 2024

Joan was my cousin and a beautiful woman of God. I was a few years younger and she was always "the teacher" when we were young and visited Aunt Dot..so wonderful to remember her and I have her husband,Dick´s book that he wrote about her called "Sam" Memories of a remarkable woman. So good to remember such a wonderful gal..Louise Romano

Calib Garland

September 12, 2016

So sorry to hear of her passing. Although I only knew her briefly she was such a fabulous lady and mother.

C. J. Cookie King

July 8, 2008

Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Both Joan's were a mold unto themselves. God Bless, Cookie and Ann King (57)

Louise Romano

July 8, 2008

Hi Dick.....How are you doing? May the God of all comfort..give you peace for the road ahead...He never changes and He never sleeps. How great is His love for you. Love

Judith Stewart

June 20, 2008

Dick,
Sorry to hear about Joan. I'll say a prayer for both of you.
Love,
Judith Stewart

Oren (Skip) Rutemiller

June 18, 2008

Dick,
It was my honor to have lunch with Joan and you during the 50th. She was a wonderful lady whose company both Pattie and I enjoyed. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Harry Gimber

June 18, 2008

Dick,
Maxine and I did not know Joan, but have heard what a grand lady she was. All of us know what it takes to be a service wife, but then to run a B&B; just so you could write a book. How great she is. Be assured we will remember her, you and your family in our prayers.
Harry and Maxine

Diane Hayden

June 17, 2008

Dick & family,
My sincere & deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. Although we are cousins Joan was traveling the world...so I know her through the eyes of Aunt Dorothy. Joan made a difference in this world and many many have been blessed by her. A women of great courage in difficult times. May you know the comfort of Jesus Christ in the days that lay ahead.
Love,
Diane (Noble) Hayden

John and Barbara Newell

June 17, 2008

We pray that, in time, your Happier Memories will carry you through the rougher days ahead until you are together again, May God Bless you and Your departed Wife Joan.

Louise Romano

June 17, 2008

Are there any Joan Toners left?? I think not. She was a one-of-a-kind, of the finest character and raised well..Sweet, kind, and loving..She was God's gift to you, Dick,and you cherished her , for you knew what you had ...May God comfort you and strengthen you for the days ahead in Jesus's name..Love Louise Romano

Ray and Jeanie Fazzio

June 17, 2008

Dear Dick, We enjoyed Joan's company at your home and at the reunions. She was a remarkable lady. We send our love and prayers for her.

Nancy Barletta

June 17, 2008

Dear Dick,
A wonderful lady has gone to rest.
Thank you for the beautiful stories
each year. God Bless!

Cookie and Ann King

June 16, 2008

With deepest sympathy and love to a very courageous and beautiful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carol and Jim Beatty

June 16, 2008

Dick - Carol and I send our condolence. Remember the wonderful years that you and Joan had together. Know that she is in God's care. You are in our prayers.

Milt and Linda Bank

June 16, 2008

We didn't have the privilege of knowing Joan well, Dick, not having met her before our 50th Reunion, but what a pleasure that was! Our hearts go out to you in this time of loss. May God be with you now and always.

FRAN WEILAND

June 16, 2008

Loving Prayers are with you now and in the days to come with the loss of Joan, your beloved wife. Memories of fun times!

God's Blessings on You & Yours,

Clark Rook

June 16, 2008

Dick...With my deepest respect and compassion, may the Good Man comfort you and your family and the soul of your beloved Joan.

Barry and Peggy Fink

June 16, 2008

We pray that Joan rests comfortably in God's grace, and that the same grace comforts you in your grief.

James & Rosemary Hower

June 16, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

JP(Rudy) & Louise O'Neill

June 15, 2008

Dick, Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Sybil & Bill West

June 15, 2008

You both have been wonderful friends and companions on this 50 year journey. We will miss her and will pray God's blessings for you for the road ahead.

John Horsefield

June 15, 2008

May God be with you and may you be with God!

Dave DeLo

June 15, 2008

Words cannot comfort your loss, but Joan's memories will sustain you and in your darkest moments, give you the strength to go forward until you are together again. The true love of God, family and friends are with you now and always. Dave DeLo

James Bender

June 15, 2008

May God be with you and your family in this moment of sorrow.

Jim and Deanne Bender

Jack & June Cochrane

June 15, 2008

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Larry Magner

June 15, 2008

Dick, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve for your beloved wife Joan. God Bless you Dick.
Larry and Louise Magner

Andrew and Fran Massimino

June 15, 2008

May the Lord's blessings be with Joan in Heaven; and may the beautiful memories of your wonderful life together, sustain you and fill your days with continued love

Richard (Dick) Renner

June 15, 2008

God bless your family and friends.

Stan Severance

June 15, 2008

My condolences; I can't imagine how I would cope with the loss of my O-A-O.

Terry and Ellie Hobbs

June 15, 2008

Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. May happy memories sustain you in the coming months.

Buzz Beans

June 15, 2008

We all regret the loss of a wonderful lady and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gery Putnam

June 15, 2008

Thanks Joan, for helping Dick through a superb Air Force career.

Bill Knodle

June 15, 2008

We wish you well in the days following . Joan was a dear friend.
Bill & Katie Knodle

Edwin Putkonen

June 15, 2008

God rest your soul.

Norman Miner ('57)

June 15, 2008

May the fond memories of the past ease the pain of the days ahead.

Jess & Suzy Heald

June 15, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and with many fond memories of Joan.

Bill and Jean Murphy

June 15, 2008

Thanks, Dick, for bringing Joan to us and the pleasure we had knowing her. An Irish prayer from the both of us to the both of you.

Ron and Barbara Baker

June 15, 2008

Through memories our loved ones live with us forever.

David Rosser '57

June 15, 2008

Our prayers are with all who spent four years by the Bay and those they love.

Bob Weiland

June 15, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

jim burns

June 15, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Jim & Carol

EMORY AND JOAN ZIMMER

June 15, 2008

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, JOAN, AND GOD BLESS.

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