Myra Ann (Erno) Toof
ST. ALBANS. After a short but courageously-fought illness, Mrs. Myra Ann Toof passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, February 12, 2014 at the Northwestern Medical Center. Myra was a kind and gentle soul who always cared more about others than herself—she will be dearly missed.
Myra was born June 25, 1939 in Franklin, VT, next to the last of thirteen children, to the late Ernest E. and Mildred E. (Yates) Erno. After growing up on the family farm and graduating from Enosburg High School in 1957, Myra became a wife and a devoted mother to three rambunctious sons. When not busy raising her family, Myra was also a very dedicated employee working for several organizations throughout the years and always making good friends along the way. Myra began her career waitressing at the Ideal Restaurant in Enosburg during high school and later at the Sugar Shack and Vermont Transit Bus Terminal restaurants in Burlington. She also worked for several years as a Certified Nursing Assistant on the medical/surgical ward at the Bishop DeGoesbriand Hospital, at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury and for visiting nurses organizations in Naples, Florida. Later in her career, Myra worked for several years in the custodial department in the Given and Rowell Buildings at the University of Vermont. Myra also operated a popular and respected cleaning service together with her sister-in-law, Margaret Erno. While working at UVM, Myra met her beloved life partner, Wayne Toof, and they were married on March 25, 1978. In addition to being devoted to her family and friends, Myra had many interests such as crocheting, water-color painting, watching Joyce Meyer Ministries and reading about her Lord and Savior.
Myra is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne H. Toof of St. Albans and her three loving sons, Jeffrey Raymond and his wife Margaret Loftus of Plainfield, Gary Raymond of Burlington and Gregory Raymond and his wife Barbara Church of St. Albans. She is also survived by her sisters, Sandra Armstrong and her husband, Donald, of St. Albans, and Mildred E. Bourdeau of Bedford, Quebec, and her brother Walter (Joe) Erno and his wife Margaret of St. Albans. She also leaves three grandchildren, James, Nathan and Grace Raymond and five great-grandchildren Jack, McKenna, Chelsea, Lucas and Alexis Raymond. She is also survived by her two stepsons, David Toof and his wife Tina of Fairfax and Kevin Toof and his wife Angela of Morrisville, her former husband, James Raymond of Franklin as well as many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-laws, brother-in-law and friends. Finally, Myra leaves her much-loved furry companions—dogs, Frisky and Amy and cats, Stretch, MP Duty, Beauty and 1 Autumn 12--all of whom gave her great joy,
In addition to her parents, Myra was predeceased by her sisters June, Elizabeth and Mary and brothers Harold, Edward, Charles, Vonwick, Merle and Maxwell. She was also predeceased by her mother- and father- in-law, Harmon and Heldreth Toof as well as several sisters- and brothers-in-laws.
The family wishes to extend much gratitude to the caring professionals at Northwestern Medical Center, especially to all the caregivers on the medical/surgical unit, for allowing Myra’s final journey to be comfortable and peaceful.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Church of the Rock in St. Albans, with the Pastor Roland Ludlam officiating. As per Myra’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours held and her ashes will be scattered at a private location in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society—New England Division, 30 Speen St., P.O. Box 9376, Framingham, MA 01701 or to a special charity of your choice. An online condolence book has been established for Myra’s family at the A.W. Rich Funeral Home, website: www.awrfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to A.W. Rich Funeral Home of Fairfax.