Mrs. Mary Tolman

NORWAY - Mary (Vanvaerenewyck) Tolman, 86, of Norway passed away November 18, 2010. She was born in Boston, MA on January 11, 1924, daughter of John and Maud (Foley) Vanvaerenewyck. She spent her early years in Sharon and Foxboro, MA area.

In 1941 she married Marthon G. Tolman of Portland. By 1950 they were well settled in Norway with their four children and her husband was employed as Production Supervisor at C.B. Cummings Dowel Mill. Except for a brief time she remained in Norway for the remainder of her life.

In addition to a career in radio production at Norway and Portland stations, Mrs. Tolman devoted her life to service in the community and most importantly to her family and friends. The early Girl Scout movement benefited immensely from her leadership.

In 1965 she returned to school and received her high school diploma with honors.

She was a charter member of the Stephens Memorial Hospital Formation Committee, and after accomplishing that goal, spent many years volunteering in the Hospital Auxiliary in both the Thrift Shop and Coffee Shop. Eventually when semi retired she worked part time in the admissions dept. Her ability and willingness to face and overcome any challenge was a great example to all.

Mrs. Tolman spent many years as a volunteer at community lunch as the guru of salad making, then spent the rest of the morning helping the others in the crew to complete their duties and clean up. She also was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Heywood Club.

Her greatest love and most appreciated service was to her family: daughters and sons-in-law, Marion and Bunky Hall, Margie and Bob Ripley and Marcia and Dave Chute; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Donna Libby Tolman; grandchildren, Chuck and Celine Bouchard Hall, Jim and Cathy Hall Farrara, Robert and Charleen Knight Ripley, Troy and Jeri Brown Ripley,Michael Ripley, Michael and Laura Galvus Tolman, Jean-Ann Tolman Lockhart, Matt and Peggy Chute Chausse and Janet Chute; great-grandchildren, Danny Hall, Sammy, Benny and Abby Ferrara, Malaki, Talia and Christian Tolman, Diamond and Kriten Lockhart and Caroline Chausse; great-great-grandson Jarrett Branson Ripley; sister, Pat Flanagan; brothers-in-law Alan and Ted and Diana Tolman, and all her nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by Megan, Michael and Bob Ripley.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, November 27 at 3 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Norway followed by a reception downstairs in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Rte. 26, Oxford. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.

Mrs. Mary Tolman Photo:

Mrs. Mary Tolman