Cecily Mary Tobin
June 19, 2016
Cecily Mary Tobin, 83, died peacefully on Sunday, June 19, 2016, at Kavanagh House, after battling cancer for more than a year. Services are Saturday, June 25, at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines. A visitation with family present will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass, luncheon, and burial in Resthaven Cemetery.
Cecily was born on September 10, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Leonard J. and Florence B. Welch. She graduated from Bennett High School and became a registered nurse, training at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. She then completed an internship in public health nursing at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Cecily married Thomas L. Tobin on June 29, 1957. During their 50 years together, they raised three children and resided in Buffalo and Ithaca, New York; Iowa City, Iowa; Champaign, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; and Tampa, Florida, as Tom pursued his development career in higher education. In addition to being a dedicated mother and homemaker, Cecily was also a committed and empathetic nurse, working in a variety of medical settings over the span of six decades in four different states. She and Tom moved to West Des Moines twenty years ago to be near family.
As a couple, Cecily and Tom shared a passion for golf and spent many happy days on the links. She was always an avid athlete, excelling at tennis and bowling, as well as golf, which she continued to play into her eighth decade. Cecily also loved spending time with her family and was an enthusiastic spectator at their various activities over the years, first as a mother and later as a grandmother. She was actively involved in the Saint Francis of Assisi parish, participating in the Rosary Group, Christ Renews His Parish, Sunsational Seniors, and as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Cecily is survived by daughters, Kathleen (Scott) Giles of West Des Moines and Cecily (Roberto) Simon of Ridgewood, New Jersey; son, Thomas Tobin of West Des Moines; and five grandchildren, Michael (Laura), Ryan (Andrea) and Daniel Giles, and Nicholas and Kathleen Simon; and two great-grandsons, Jackson and Hank Giles. Cecily was predeceased by her husband Tom in 2007.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; HCI Care Services, 2910 Westown Parkway, Suite 200, West Des Moines, 50266; or the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, 8553 Urbandale Avenue, Urbandale, 50322.
Arrangements are being handled by Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway.
Suzy Wolfe
06/24/2016
I have such fond memories of my Godmother Cecily and always enjoyed the fun stories that my mother , Joan Moyer , shared of their special and lifelong friendship that began while growing up together in Buffalo. Sending prayers for Cecily and the entire family.
Most Sincerely, Suzy Wolfe
Linda Eliason
06/24/2016
I met your mother when the SFA Seniors group started and we bonded immediately -- our common thread was Buffalo NY where my son and three grandchildren live -- we had many interesting conversations and shared memories of Buffalo; the last such conversation was my wonderful visit with her at Kavanaugh House prior to my making a trip to Buffalo; she asked that I come visit again when I returned to tell her all about seeing my new great grandson! I guess you can say I told Buffalo hello and good bye for her -- a wonderful lady and full of spirituality to the very end. I will miss seeing her at 4:30 pm mass at SFA! God bless you all!
Ann Mertes
06/23/2016
Cecily was a very special lady and will be missed. I visited with her often at St. Francis, and was always impressed with her deep spirituality. May you all be comforted by her spirit and your memories. Many blessings.
Joseph Moyer
06/23/2016
Sorry to hear of Cecily's passing. She will be missed by many.Rest in peace, Dear Cecily. God Bless.
Barbara Shew
06/22/2016
I was just going to send a card or call Cecily. I wish I had talked to her before she passed. I am so sorry she has suffered. Randy (who died Sept. 2, 2015) and I were good friends with Tom and Cecily during their Ithaca days. We enjoyed social and family events and golfing together. Cecily called me about a year ago and we talked for over an hour. Her concern for everyone was very apparent and I know she will be missed.
Nancy Banner
06/22/2016
Dear Kathy, Cec and Tommy,
I am so very sorry to hear of this loss.
I remember your mom from the 1970's with fondness, and well, maybe just a titch of trepidation.
May the emptiness that her absence leaves, be replaced with her love, compassion, humor and spark.
My thoughts are with you and your families now and in the days and months ahead.
With love,
Nancy
Dawn and Tim Jackson
06/22/2016
We are so sorry for your loss. May your happy memories of happy times stay with you all forever.
Fondest regards
Dawn and Tim
Marie Madonna
06/22/2016
My prayers and condolences to the Tobin Family. May your Mother rest in peace. She was reunited with your father on Father's day. Together they will be with the Lord for all of eternity...never far from your thoughts and memories until the end of time.