Mary Elizabeth O'Toole

Mary Elizabeth O’Toole, 70, of Springfield, Virginia passed away on December 2, 2021. Mary courageously fought stage four breast cancer for over 6 ½ years. After being hospitalized for 24 days, she returned home where she died peacefully. Mary was born in Yonkers, New York on December 15, 1950. In 1969, she graduated from Garden City High School in NY. She attended St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg MD, graduating in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Her 29-year teaching career included positions at St. Agnes Catholic School in Arlington, Bailey’s Elementary School in Alexandria, and Woodley Hills Elementary School in Mt Vernon. After retiring in 2007, Mary continued to teach as a volunteer reading specialist at St. Bernadette Catholic School in Springfield. Mary had an endearing and gentle personality. She seldom complained and always maintained an optimistic outlook. She was a dedicated teacher and prolific reader. Family vacations at the beach were always the highlight of her summers, along with swimming and socializing at her pool. For years, she took daily walks at Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, making many friends along the way. During school breaks, she relished the chance to visit her father (and the beach!) in Venice, Florida. Mary is preceded in death by her father John F. O’Toole and mother Ann Carroll O’Toole (nee Ronan). She is survived by her husband, Thomas Musso of Springfield, her sister, Lucy A. Kilbridge of Burlingame CA, brothers John L. O’Toole of Shoreham, NY, and Richard O’Toole of Trenton, NJ. Also surviving are four nieces and four nephews. A visitation for Mary will be held Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, December 15, 2021, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Raymond of Penafort Roman Catholic Church, 8750 Pohick Rd, Springfield, VA 22153. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, December 15, 2021, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Bernadette Catholic School, 7602 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22152. Mary’s husband Thomas wishes to extend his sincere thanks to the care provided by Virginia Cancer Specialists in Fairfax and specifically to Dr. Neelima Denduluri.