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Popular East Rockaway librarian dies

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Kathleen (Riley) Tolan died peacefully in her home in East Rockaway on July 20. She was 68. She was a librarian at East Rockaway Public library for more than 30 years. 

Tolan, born and raised in Woodmere, was also a dedicated volunteer at the Long Island Toy Lending Center.

“She was a good listener,” said her daughter, Dawn Schmall. “People loved to be with her … she was a source of comfort not just to her family, but to those who met her.” Dawn said that her mother was popular at the library for her book recommendations. “People would ask her what was good to read,” she said. “They trusted her opinion.”

Her daughter, Cindy, added that her mother was “an amazing knitter.”

“She would knit scarves, baby blankets, booties for the grandchildren — but her specialty was making incredible scarves. She would make them for her grandchild’s classmates, and it got so popular, they started to put in special orders.” Cindy said that her mother loved to go to the theater, and last play she saw was “Hamilton.” “It gave her so much joy,” she said.

“She always loved the song ‘A Place in the Sun’ by Stevie Wonder,” said her daughter, Kathleen Miller. “Anytime she heard it, she said she wanted it to be played at her funeral. The words to me represent who she was: ‘There’s a place in the sun where there’s hope for everyone … moving on, moving on...’ She never lived in the past — she would always move forward and try to be a better version of herself each day. She was so kind and selfless, not only to her family but everyone she met. Her love for us was truly unconditional. I will miss her.”

“Kathy Tolan was one of the most generous and kind people I have ever known,” said Heather Massa, a friend who worked with Tolan at the library for 16 years. “She had the greatest taste in books, and was a diverse and voracious reader — she became a source for many people to tap for reading suggestions. She was calm and steady and warm in a world that can often be the opposite. Kathy always remembered what was going on in the lives of the patrons and people around her, and never forgot to ask after their loved ones, or express sympathy in times of trouble. The heart of the library is not in books and words, but in the people who work here and the people who visit … was my absolute favorite person to sit next to, to talk to, and to learn from. We all will miss her very much.”

Tolan is also survived by her beloved sister, Patricia Riley and partner, Peter; and by daughters Cindy, Dawn, Kathleen and their spouses, Alison, Erik and Richard. She was a devoted grandmother, aunt and great-aunt to Doreen, Kimaleen, Stuart, Aidan, Wiley, Leo, Violet Ava, Alex and Justin. She was predeceased by her older brother, Robert (Bobby) Riley, Jr.

The family received friends last weekend at the Perry Funeral Home, Inc., Union Avenue, Lynbrook. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The LI Toy Lending Center for Children With Disabilities, P.O. Box 380 Point Lookout, NY 11569.