Dr. Roberta Toma Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Cohoes, NY Dr. Roberta Toma entered peacefully into eternal rest on May 11, 2018, after battling a brief illness. Born on July 20, 1932 in Cohoes, Roberta was the daughter of Angelina (Febba) and John Toma; and sister of the late Julia (Michael) Miranda, Michael (Sally), Anthony (Dorothy), Carmen (Vera), Anne (Francis) Santucci, Alfred (Janet), Louis, Albert, Francis (Lucia), R.Jean, and John. She is survived by Helen (Lloyd) Howe, Karen (Edward) White and dozens of nieces of nephews. Of special mention are her nephew Craig Howe and her beloved great-nephew Dr. John Michael Palella II. After attending Cohoes High School, Roberta graduated from St. Rose where she completed a degree in chemistry and mathematics. She later completed a master’s degree in elementary education at St. Rose as well. After teaching elementary school in Cohoes, Roberta was awarded a full fellowship to obtain her PhD in educational research and psychology from Fordham University. Dr. Toma then taught as a professor of elementary education at S.U.N.Y Oneonta until her retirement in 1996. Upon retirement, not only did Roberta regularly travel with her sisters and nephew John, “Aunt B” hosted a macaroni dinner every Sunday for the next thirteen years. Roberta spent her last six months with her sister Helen and caregiver Sandi giving laughter to those around them at Diamond Ridge in Troy, NY. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Holy Trinity Church, Cohoes. Relatives and friends are invited for a calling hour at 9am at the Marra Funeral Home. Interment will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford

Dr. Roberta Toma

July 20, 1932 - May 11, 2018