In Memory of Rose (Noory) Toukatly

Obituary

On Saturday, February 17, 2024 Rose (Noory) Toukatly known as “Sito” by her family entered eternal life at age 97. Rose enjoyed living independently at home in Utica. She was born Rose Janet Noory in Fitchburg, MA, daughter of John and Khatoon (Tazbazian) Noory. When WWII began, she became a USO volunteer serving coffee and donuts to soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Devens and rolled bandages for the Red Cross. She graduated from Fitchburg HS in 1945 and was employed as a buyer at Sears-Roebuck. She married Louis Toukatly on September 6, 1948 in Fitchburg. Together they operated Toukatly’s Food Market on James and West Streets for 31 years.

Rose was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament and later Our Lady of Lourdes parishes. She was a past officer of the Blessed Sacrament Mother’s Club, Den mother for Cub Scouts Pack 55, and was elected 1986 President of the Utica-Rome United Ostomy Association. She was a volunteer member and historian of the Christ Child. For her many endeavors, Rose was recognized at local and national levels. She received the George R. White Memorial Volunteer Award and the Greatest Volunteer Award over her decades of service to the Oneida County Historical Society. In 2008, she was recognized by the White House through the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

She leaves two sons and three daughters-in-law. John and Kathleen Toukatly of Wayne, PA, Richard and Elaine Toukatly of Fayetteville, NY and Tracey Anderson of Tasmania, beloved nephew John Noory and 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren and many caring nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Louis, son Gary, brothers Gabriel, Samuel, Leon, and George and sister Catherine.

Rose was devoted to the care of her family across the years and exhibited her commitment to generosity with the familiar phrase to anyone walking in her front door “Is there anything I can get for you?” Her thoughts on life’s journey were summarized by her favorite quote of Henry Van Dyke “I shall grow old, but never lose life’s zest, because the road’s last turn will be the best.”

The funeral will be Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11:00 am at Mary Mother of Our Saviour Church (Lourdes Campus) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be at the church from 10:00 t0 11:00 AM prior to the Mass. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Oneida County History Center (https://oneidacountyhistory.square.site/donate) or to the Christ Child Society (https://www.nationalchristchild.org/donate).

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com.