Mildred Mary Toller

Mildred Mary Toller, age 99, of Newark, DE, passed away on Thursday, December 19th, 2024.

Born in Buffalo, NY in 1925, Mildred was the daughter of the late James Colangelo and Mildred Mary (Severnio) Colangelo. She was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Colangelo.

Throughout her life, Mildred was affectionately known by many names, including “Mill,” “Millie,” and “Gram.” She was the heart and soul of her family, a devoted matriarch who dedicated her life to bringing her loved ones together. From leaving school at a young age to care for her younger sister and father after her mother’s passing, to ensuring she gathered her entire family for every holiday, Millie’s life revolved around her family.

Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Millie knows how funny and full of life she was. She had the innate capacity to talk to anyone about anything, and keep them entertained for hours. She was fiercely independent and spent many years as an active member in her community at Jester Crossing in Bear, DE. Millie was also a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Newark, DE. She worked part-time for Little Sisters of the Poor and volunteered at the Newark Senior Center until she was well into her eighties.

Millie enjoyed bowling and was part of a league for several years, where she and her neighbor sold homemade cakes at the alley. She had a passion for arts and crafts, particularly ceramics. Her works can still be found decorating the homes of her loved ones. Millie had a love for travel and adventure and was determined to pass it along to her family. She spent many hours crisscrossing the country with anyone she could gather. For several years, she arranged cruise vacations for all her children and their families. She particularly enjoyed trips to the beach, where she would worship the sun and watch her family play. She was unrivaled at card games and rummikub, of which she often played alongside her family. Millie also found joy in baking, especially with her grandchildren. She was most famous for her pizzelles.

Millie touched many lives. Whether it’s her baking recipes, her sense of humor, or even her curly hair, she continues to influence the lives of those who loved her.

Millie is survived by her children, Barbara Felger (Bill) of Buffalo, NY, Anthony Ferrara (Patricia), of Middletown, DE, Jane McElhaney (Spencer), of Newark, DE, and James Toller (Kathleen), of Elkton, MD; grandchildren, Jennifer Filippo (Lou), of Las Vegas, NV, Jeffrey Bartle (Becky), of Pendleton, NY, TJ Ferrara (Kelley), of Middletown, DE, Michael D. Ferrara of New Castle, DE, Christina M. Steward (Nick Cipriani), of Middletown, DE, Shawn McElhaney (Aileen), of Newark, DE, Steven McElhaney (Samantha), of Newark, DE, Samuel Toller, of Elkton, MD, Rachael Toller (Michael McDade), of Elkton, MD, and Jessica Toller (Ethan Zack), of Columbia, MD; great-grandchildren, Hannah Swing, Aidan Bartle, Avery Bartle, Trey Ferrara, Lucas Ferrara, Sofia Ferrara, Abigail Steward, Liam Steward, Isabella Steward, Nikola Cipriani, Rory McElhaney, and Zoe McElhaney; and her sister, Betty Smithmeyer, of Leesbury, FL. Millie was also beloved by her niece, two nephews, their families, and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the charity of your choice.