Evelyn Marie Toner

Mom and Nana, age 85, died peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August. 26. She will be remembered for the love and kindness that she showed to everyone she met.
Evelyn was a lifelong resident of the town of New Castle. She was the daughter of the late Nelson and Elizabeth Faulkner. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Joseph F. Toner, who passed in 2006. Both Evelyn and Joe graduated from William Penn High School, where Evelyn was class valedictorian (which she refused to mention), and they were lifetime parishioners of St. Peter's Parish in New Castle. Evelyn worked countless hours in support of parish activities, including the BMV Sodality and the church choir, and volunteered for many years as a guide to the Dutch House on the Green in historic New Castle. She liked to reminisce about life in old New Castle: "It was wonderful…the town had bake shops, shoe and clothing stores, ice cream parlors, and a movie theater. I'm just sorry that children today cannot enjoy such an experience."
Evelyn enjoyed the company of many friends, yet her greatest love was her family. She gave birth to eight children in eleven years, and managed the family comings and goings. Rarely an occasion or outing failed to include family friends; all were welcome in her home. The Toner house usually included a boarder as well: someone in need, or in the process joining the family. This gift of sharing was a lifetime partnership between Evelyn and Joe, and she was its guide. She held much love for all, and taught life lessons by examples more than words. Evelyn was best described as truly an angel, a sweet, sweet person.
She was predeceased by her parents, daughter Marian, son Kevin, and grandson Joseph Robert. Survivors include four sons and their spouses, Jerry and Gail, Dennis and Ann, Thomas and Deborah, Michael and Catherine; two daughters, Kathleen and Robert Hoisington, Susan and Cecil Hoskins; and daughter-in-law, Karen Toner. She is also survived by family members, Bob and Madeleine Toner and Charles Toner and Fern Horisk, as well as 21 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 28, from 9:30-11:00 am at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 5th and Harmony Streets, New Castle. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, immediately following the visitation. Burial will take place in the adjoining churchyard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Evergreen Center, Alzheimer's and Dementia Daycare, 3000 Newport Gap Pike, Emily Bissell Hospital Building F, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Krienen Funeral Home
302.328.9300