Kathy Toland

Kathleen L.”Oma” Toland, 94, of Silver Bay, died Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Long Lake Assisted Living.

Kathy was born July 16, 1931 to Vere and Claire (Myrland) Philbrook in McKinney, Texas and immediately nicknamed “Sugar”. Her father, a traveling salesman moved the family often and Kathy attended schools all over the United States. Graduating from Bethsaida Nurse’s Training in St. Paul, Kathy worked at St. Barnabas Hospital in St. Paul and Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii for two years. After a backpacking trip across Europe she returned to Minnesota where she met her future husband, Leland “Lee” Toland at Hunt’s Resort in Glenwood, Minnesota. They married on July 16, 1960, made their home in Silver Bay, and quickly grew their family with the addition of 3 sons. Kathy spent 43 years as organist at Sychar Lutheran Church and taught countless children piano lessons throughout the years.

Kathy was an active and devoted member of Sychar Lutheran Church, and a member of the “Singing Moms”. She enjoyed music, reading, and the morning newspaper puzzles.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leland; and a brother, Thomas Philbrook.

She is survived by her sons, David (Julie), Thomas (Renee), and Bruce (Pamela); grandchildren, Peter, Tiffany, Kate, Kathleen, Jeffrey, Tiara, Barry and Aimee; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Julie Reid.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay. Burial will be in Silver Bay Cemetery.