An obituary in Monday’s paper on June Toland told of a life well lived. Mrs. Toland, 98, died last week. AS A SOCIETY we’ll never go back to the days when men were the primary breadwinners and women stayed close to the hearth. But that doesn’t mean our priorities have changed.
She lived a life of service to her family, church and community.
In today’s world, that may not conjure up much respect. Today, women make their mark in the work force, as much as men.
Even so, Mrs. Toland was something of a renegade, studying political science of all things at the University of Kansas back in 1936. Word has it that she had her sights on becoming an attorney. Perhaps if she had been born in her granddaughters’ times she would have become an attorney, like Carol, or a minister, such as Elizabeth.
At a time when most women attended university only to attain an MRS. degree, young June was a serious student and was inducted into honor societies for her high marks.
She also waited until she was 28 to marry, the equivalent of 38 in today’s world.
Mrs. Toland was one of Iola’s last matriarchs. She led by example of giving her best to her family, church, and the various clubs, societies and organizations she enjoyed.
It’s that dedication that keeps a community’s social fabric tightly knitted. Mrs. Toland and others like her had the equivalent of full-time jobs seeing that volunteer activities at their churches and schools were run efficiently. They took their roles in social sororities seriously.
Her love of history was carried through to the founding of the Allen County Historical Society.
Whatever her interest, Mrs. Toland took a leading role in its operation.
And lest one think Mrs. Toland may have been thwarted by the times, at home she was regarded as the “brains of the family,” according to grandson David Toland. She was a formidable foe at Scrabble, was well-versed in Kansas and national politics, and managed until just these last few years her own business affairs.
This does the heart good.
Too often we are quick to judge one’s accomplishments, or lack thereof, by proof of a balance sheet or trophies on a shelf.
Today, young couples share much of the parenting responsibilities and both “bring home the bacon,” making for healthy marriages and family dynamics. More than ever, people know that good families make for strong, competitive communities. We know a well-loved child thrives and the more stimulating his upbringing, the better balanced he becomes as an adult.
Mrs. Toland was right on track — and Iola is the better for it.
— Susan Lynn
Toland’s secret to happiness: a life well lived
