In Memory of Valerie Jane (Toland) Magro
Valerie Jane (Toland) Magro, of Avon, CT beloved wife of Paul C. Magro, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on May 5, 2023, from cancer, which she fought for years with strength and grace. Valerie was born on November 12, 1969, in Piscataway, N.J. to Helen and Anthony Toland, Sr. She grew up in West Hartford, graduated from Conard High School, Class of 1988, and attended Endicott College and Central Connecticut State University.
Valerie was a kind, compassionate and beautiful person, both inside and out. Her love of children, family, travel and caring for others were constants in her life. In the mid-1990s, she embarked on a cross- country journey, settling in Los Angeles, where she worked for years as a devoted nanny. She frequently returned to the East Coast for work, which ultimately led her back to Connecticut to be closer to her family. For many years, she worked as a child life ther apist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) in Hartford, providing comfort and support to children and families during some of their toughest moments. Her passion for serving children in need continued throughout her life. During Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, she distributed food and cheer to families of children being cared for at CCMC, inspiring many in her community to join her in the volunteer work she hoped to turn into a nonprofit someday. Valerie was also an active member of the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, where she found solace and strength in her faith.
Valerie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She met Paul in 2001, and they were married in 2002. She became stepmother to Leigha and supported Paul in growing his business, Dream Builders. Recently, Valerie and Paul celebrated 20 years of marriage; together, they cared deeply, loved generously, and lived each day with gratitude. She was a dedicated and proud mother to Miles and Sofia, always supporting them as they pursued new endeavors. She cared for them and their community as room parent, Girl Scouts troop leader, lacrosse team mom, and much more. Valerie deeply valued time spent with her parents and siblings and was a steadfast caregiver for her father during his extended illness. With a playful twinkle in her bright blue eyes, she lived life on her own terms, always leading with her heart. Valerie was also a tireless cheerleader and supporter to her wide circle of friends from every stage in her life, always enjoying reunions, celebrations, and making memories together.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Paul C. Magro, her son Miles, and daughters Sofia and Leigha. She is also survived by her mother Helen Toland, her sister Danielle Danler and her husband Chris, many beloved nieces and nephews, and many more family, extended family, and friends.
Valerie was predeceased by her father, Anthony Joseph Toland, Sr., and her brother, Anthony Joseph Toland, Jr.
Valerie also leaves behind a community of dedicated and grieving friends, and many outside her Polish family who knew her as their “Ciocia Val,” all of whose lives are so much better thanks to her love and friendship.
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