06/04/2026
Tina Toohey 's family is having a life celebration in Massachusetts on Saturday June 6th, which would have been her 75th birthday. All are welcome.
I am sharing her obituary from her nephew.
In Loving Memory of Katherine M. “Tina” Toohey
June 1951 - Jan 2026
Katherine M. “Tina” Toohey, a woman of sharp
intellect, deep compassion and a legendary love for competition, Disney, dogs and friends, passed away surrounded by the warmth of her friends and family.
Born in New York City in June 1951, Tina's journey
took her from New Orleans to Greenwich, where she graduated Greenwich High School. Her passion for learning led her to Bay Path Junior College, where she earned her Associates degree in 1972, followed by a Bachelor's degree in 1975 and a Master’s in 1976, from American International College.
Tina dedicated her early career to the classroom as a teacher in Montreal and MacDuffie School in
Massachusetts. She started her coaching journey as a young woman, mentoring athletes with the samerigor as she applied to her own life. Upon joining the faculty at American International College, she also became an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. This role was her true passion; the court was where she found her daily drive, and she took immense pride in helping her players succeed.
Her career later transitioned to the business side of campus life as the manager of the college bookstore. A savvy buyer and natural negotiator, Tina excelled at building partnerships with retailers to provide products for faculty and students. She retired from AIC, leaving
behind a legacy of service and profound impact on the AIC campus community.
Tina discovered a second calling in the sport of showing purebred dogs. What began as a hobby evolved into a lifelong pursuit of excellence as a breeder and show dog owner. While she was most notably recognized for her prize winning dachshunds (Bullet & Magic), her expertise and dedication extended to Basenjis, Elkhound and Irish Setters. Jackson, an Irish Setter, was Best in Breed 2024 at Irish Setter Club of America , a part of the American Kennel Club. For the rest of her life, she remained a fixture in the show ring, celebrated by peers for her keen eye and commitment to the sport.
A traveler at heart, Tina found great joy in cruising the open seas, but her favorite place on earth remained the magic of Walt Disney World. Whether on a ship or in the heart of EPCOT, she lived for the adventure
She is remembered by her Toohey & Straus extended family, brother Philip his wife Denise & sister Anne, nephew Peter his wife Brooke children Addison & Emery, niece Kaylin her husband Westley, The Conrad Family, Mike and Wendy, The Paul Family, Cindy, Richard, her former students, athletes, her Dachshunds, Basenjis, and Irish Setter kennels clubs, the Kubacz Family, and many friends who shared her quick wit and adventurous spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bay Path
University at 2PM. Family and Friends are invited to honor Tina’s legacy.
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Bay Path University
Blake Dining Room
588 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
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