Audrey Toolan

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Audrey Toolan passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the Wesley Nursing Home. She was 84 years old and was a wonderful mother to Mary (Rob) Rasefske of Broadalbin, NY, Beth of Salem, MA and Michael (Debbie) of Bend, OR. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Adam, Caitlin and Kelsey Rasefske, and Michael’s two children, Abigail and Alexander. Born in Newark, NJ, Audrey spent her early years in Catskill, NY. After high school graduation, she entered the Nursing program at the old Albany Medical College and graduated with a BS in Nursing in 1953. Not wanting to “settle down” right away, she and her dear friend of over 50 years, Ruth Brislin, went to England and worked as staff nurses at the local hospital in Nottingham for about a year. Upon returning to the US, she worked at several hospitals in New York City. In November 1962, she married Edmund (Ted) Toolan. They spent 54 happy years in Galway, NY before moving to Saratoga Springs about 5 years ago. While living in Galway, she was very active in the community and was a Charter Member of the Galway Ambulance Corps. In 1975, Audrey was awarded a Life Membership in the Galway PTA for her outstanding contributions to the youth of the community. She was an adult Girl Scout for 12 years and had been active in scouting in Galway at all levels. She was also named the outstanding volunteer in 1978 by the Mohawk Girl Scout Council, had served as chairman of the Galway Book Fair for five years and was a former PTSA president. In later life Audrey and Ted made several trips to Ireland where both their families were from. They equally enjoyed their summer home in Phippsburg, ME for over twenty years. Several times over the years she commented that she came from New York City of 6 million people to the Town of Galway with six hundred. A memorial service will be held later this summer at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.