Violet S. Tolly

Violet South Tolly, of Toms River, NJ, died on Sunday, May 25th, 2014, at Community Medical Center. She was looking forward to turning 100 years old on April 29th, and joyfully celebrated this wonderful milestone in her life with her family and friends. Violet was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Henry and Mary (MacCrae) South. She lived most of her life in Toms River, graduating from Toms River High School in 1933. She went on to complete two years of college; one year at Wooster College in Ohio, and one year at Georgia State College in Georgia.

Violet worked at Toms River Chemical as a lab technician. After retiring, she sold Avon and was in the President’s Club. She was an avid reader, wrote poetry, and played the piano. She enjoyed traveling, and loved watching game shows, college football games, talent shows, and the Kentucky Derby.

Mrs. Tolly was also involved with Animal Care Sanctuary, original created by Lesley Sinclair in 1967, in Toms River Township. She owned many cats over the years, and was a proponent of animal birth control and foster cared for cats needing adoption.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph P. Tolly in 1980.

Violet is survived by her daughter Mary T. Sutton of Toms River, her sister Gladys Risk of Bradenton, FL; her niece Gladys Risk of Bradenton, FL; great-nephew Geordie Platt of Venice, FL; great-nephew Jimmy Platt; great-niece April Nickell; grand- niece Jessica NIckell; grand- nephew Mason NIckell; grand –nephew Jonathan Platt; and grand-niece Aurorabella; all of Bradenton, FL. Also surviving are two grandchildren: Lisa Shearin Windsor of VA and Julia Tolly of VA; two great-grandchildren: Emma and Alex Shearin Windsor of VA; and her sister-in-law Margaret Tolly of VA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 30th, from 7 to 9 PM, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Violet’s memory, to Animal Care Sanctuary, PO Box A, East Smithfield, PA 18817.