Mary Raper Toole, 64, of Newport News, Virginia, went home to be with Jesus on August 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Newport News, Mary was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and deep love for both people and animals.

Born on June 13, 1961, in Newport News to the late Mary Lucille Harris Raper Mixon and Jasper Mebane Raper, Mary grew up with a love for learning and a heart for caring for others. She graduated from Ferguson High School and later from Christopher Newport University.

Mary married the love of her life and best friend, John Toole, and together they shared 40 beautiful years of marriage. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Jennifer Toole and boyfriend Aaron of Hopewell, VA, and Candace Toole Doyle and husband Kyle of Suffolk, VA; four cherished grandchildren, Rosemary Watson, Kaitlyn Seitz, Elijah Stemaly, and Hailey Seitz; and her brothers, William Raper and wife Susan of Bedford, VA, and Steve Raper of Newport News, VA.

Mary dedicated many years to her work, first as an X-ray Technician at Sentara and most recently as a Radiological Control Technician at Newport News Shipbuilding. Outside of her career, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life—tending to her garden, feeding the birds and squirrels, and spending time with her beloved dog, Simba.

Mary's compassion, warmth, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness.

A service celebrating Mary's life will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 100 Blackburn Lane Hampton, VA. Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton. 757-825-8070.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the SICU nurses and doctors at Riverside Hospital and to Chaplain Timothy for their exceptional care and comfort during this difficult time.

Mary will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.