Doris Toomey

Doris Marie Hecker Toomey, of Millcreek Township, passed away on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Erie on February 12, 1926 a daughter of the late Frank F. and Frances Hershelman Hecker.

Doris retired from General Telephone in 1982 after 20 years of service. She wintered in Arizona beginning in 1989. She was a member of GTE Pioneer Club. During her lifetime, Doris enjoyed reading, embroidery, bingo and Cleveland Indians baseball. She admired Abraham Lincoln with whom she shared a birthday and Omar Vizquel. She also listened to country music and was especially fond of Ray Price. A diminutive woman, she possessed a lioness’s heart, a sharp mind and a sharp tongue. Despite or because of this, she was loved and respected by all.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years William Henry Toomey, who passed away September 11, 1998; four brothers: Henry, Thomas, Robert and Fred Hecker; two sisters: Elizabeth George and Grace Offenberg; a son, William Henry Toomey, III and by a beloved granddaughter, Linda L. Malinowski Cirillo.

Doris is survived by three sons: Ronald Toomey, Terry Toomey (Shawnel) and Frank Toomey (Darlene) as well as three daughters: Jean Minor (James), Sharon Toomey, and Jeannette Brown (James). She is also survived by a sister, Wilma Petrick, of Rahway, New Jersey. The reigning matriarch of a large family, she is further survived by 21 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Wednesday at 11am. with Rev. Harry Johns, III officiating. Followed by interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery.