Pauline (Polly) Louise Toms

Mrs. Pauline (Polly) Louise Toms, 86, of Frederick, went to be with her heavenly father on December 18, 2011 at the Kline Hospice house of Mt. Airy. She was the wife of the late Carlton (Pete) Atlee Toms, who predeceased her in January, 2003.

Born August 24, 1925 in Frederick, she was the daughter of the late Howard L. and Rosa Morningstar Kolb, formerly of Utica.

She attended school in Lewistown, and worked at Sagners and Price Electric, and later retired from American Optical.

She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick, the Moose Lodge #371, N.A.R.F.E. Chapter #409, and AARP.

Mrs. Toms was an avid gardener, always sharing her flowers and seeds. She looked forward to the Great Frederick Fair to compete in the winning of her prized flower creations. She had a way of making anyone feel at home when they stopped by for great conversation and her wonderful country cooking. No one would go hungry in her world.

She and Pete were married for 63 years. Their love bore five generations. She is survived by her five children, Gary Atlee Toms and companion, Jo Duke, of Charles Town, W.Va.; Darlene Louise Stitely and husband, Larry, of Frederick; Carroll Edgar Toms and wife, Pamela of Woodsboro; Michael Lee Toms and wife, Susan, of Libertytown; and Kathy Marie Vankirk and husband, Michael, of Martinsburg, W.Va.

Known as Nanny, she also will be missed by her 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom she dearly loved.

Mrs. Toms also will be remembered by her neighbor and caretaker, Gary Lidie (PeeWee) of Frederick, whom she cherished as a son.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Mrs. Rennie Rippeon Burkett, Mrs. Hazel Smith Rice, Mrs. Alta Shaw, Mrs. Lena (Dolly) Lambert, Ms. Hilda Virginia Kolb, and Mrs. Evelyn Shepley of Hagerstown; and her two brothers, Mr. Arthur Kolb and Mr. Edward Kolb.

For anyone who knew Pauline, there will never be another. She will be living in our many memories of her forever.

Her family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21 at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 22 from the funeral home chapel. Officiating will be Dr. Michael O'Donnell, pastoral assistant at Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Serving as bearers will be her grandsons, Curtis Toms; Michael Toms, Jr.; Aaron Toms; Sean Toms, Tyler Vankirk; Todd Stitely.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Evangelical Lutheran Church, 35 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701; or to Kline Hospice House, 7700 Kimmel Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771.