Roberta 'Robbie' Tobey

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Robbie died surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday, January 7. She is survived by her husband (David Hoff), her children Michelle Lockhurst (Jim), Robert Tobey (Jeanette), Pamela Tobey (Neil), Natalie Tobey, Eliza Kattsir (Avy), Tom Kozak, her 12 grandchildren, her 6 great grandchildren, her nieces, nephews and so many more loved ones, related or otherwise. 

They say only the good die young and this is definitely the case here. Robbie was born into poverty in Manitoba, the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother. At 16, with her mother's permission, she married an air force pilot and had 4 children by her early 20's. The marriage broke apart in 1984 and a year after that I had the good fortune to be introduced to her. Over the years we formed a mutually strong bond that lasted until her death.

She was an exceptional person. In no particular order...

She embraced fitness and taught classes.

She embraced dancing and became an instructor at Dance Fit, a company that combined dance with fitness.

She embraced the Catholic faith and attended mass every Sunday whether at home or when we were travelling.

She embraced helping others through volunteering at the local food bank.

She embraced children. In addition to our own children, grand-children, and great grandchildren there were children at the food bank, foster parenting, nieces, nephews, and many others. She was always there for every one of them.

She embraced our friends and family. Our house was always open to others.

She embraced the city of Brampton and its multi-culture character. Robbie was blind to colour; she treated everyone as God's children.

And finally, when faced with the knowledge of her disease, she continued to help others by volunteering for a clinical study to test a new drug as well as donating her body to medical research. Whatever she could do to help others... she did. There was never a hesitiation.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Roberta Tobey would be appreciated by the family, supporting the Memory Clinic Fund at UHN Foundation. Please call 416-603-5300 or visit the link below. To make a memorial donation via cheque, please make payable to: UHN Foundation. In the memo line, please write "In memory of Roberta Tobey to support the Memory Clinic Fund."

Please Click Here to Donate to the UHN Foundation

She will be remembered in so many ways by so many people.

On Saturday and Sunday (January 11-12), there will be an open house from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to all who want to visit and for a "Celebration of Her Life" at 16 Vivaldi Crescent in Brampton. Come 'break bread' and discuss your memories. Many pictures of an exceptional woman will be on display.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Brampton on Monday, January 13. Immediately following the Mass, the family would like to invite guests to a reception at the Alderlea located at 40 Elizabeth Street South in Brampton.

This tribute was written by her loving husband of over 35 years... David.