Passed with Angels on October 3, 2021, surrounded by loved ones, with her dry wit and sense of humor intact, listening to Somewhere In Time by Los Lobos. Toby had 60 years of a fun, productive, artistic and rewarding life, filled with loving friends and family. Toby was happiest when she was creating beautiful art and jewelry, or teaching others about art and jewelry and how to create more! She was an expert at casting gold and silver, setting stones in bezel settings, and repairing complex antique pieces. Toby adored her two children, James Vincent Prioletta and Margaret Prioletta Harcus, granddaughter Kinsley – and literally couldn’t wait to meet her new grandchild! Toby travelled the world, and will be sending love, advice and messages from above.
Besides being a gifted jeweler, Toby was a creative soul, coupon clipper, Penny pincher, cut throat cribbage player and quick-witted prankster with a contagious laugh that made her friends wherever she went. Toby was passionate about volunteer work, children’s education and recreation. Toby was the driving force behind her children’s sports, activities and musical endeavors. Blessed with grace, self-confidence, tenacity, and eye for all things beautiful, Toby’s outgoing and charismatic personality was her hallmark! Extraordinarily giving of herself, she embodied joy, frivolity and a genuine love of life. Her presence alone enriched the lives of very many people. Toby will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her.
Toby graduated with a BA from UW-Milwaukee, taught at Wustum Museum for 30+ years, helped teach and run Main Gallery and Racine Art Museum for nearly the same amount of time. Toby was predeceased by her parents, Walter W. Iwon and Jean Freuden Iwon, stepmother Joan Smithson Iwon, and many other loved ones. She is survived by her children, Vinnie and Maggie (Justin), siblings Dana, Lise, Mike (Lisa), granddaughter Kinsley, stepsister Susan Collova (Thomas), and an absolute plethora of nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Please support a local artist, Wustum Art Museum, Main Gallery, Artist Gallery or Planned Parenthood in Toby’s memory. A Celebration of Toby’s Life will be held at a later date, to be announced.
Lynne Eaton says
I am so terribly sorry to learn of Toby’s passing. I took Jewelry workshops with her for many years at Wustem. She took me to Chicago to get diamonds for myself and my son. We had so very many good times together. She was so very talented and so very much fun. I live in Florida now so will be unable to attend. Rest in Peach you beautiful being!
Deb. Legois Draves says
Toby you will be dearly missed my ol’friend. Some day we shall dance in the rain together..
Rose Coulthart says
I went to school with Toby. I lost contact with her, but perusing the obits today I saw her obit. I’m sorry for your loss. She was always a kind soul and very artistic! May the wonderful memories you’ve surely built over the years give you comfort.
Renee Pavlovich says
Toby I will miss the laughs with Jude such great time together,
Bev says
Toby we will miss you dearly May God wrap you in his loving arms
Ilene/roger mandujano says
You were a very special lady.. enjoyed spending times with you.
Lana K Buhler says
Working with you Toby was always fun. You will be missed terribly. Way too soon my friend. Until we meet again….
Tracy Trentadue says
It was a pleasure to have known Toby, I have many fond memories of being together as “Girls Fastpitch Moms”
My heart goes out to Jim, Vinnie and Maggie
June Herrera Doyne says
I took classes at Wistum and have beautiful pieces of jewelry with her hallmark stamp. Always fond memories of her. May the families find strength and courage at this time of loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Carol Starks says
There was no one like Toby, and she is dearly missed by staff, and all her students both past and present at the Wustum. Such a bright light has gone too soon. Sincere condolences to all her loved ones.
Amy Smith says
So devastated to hear about Toby’s death. I enjoyed taking classes from her.
Tom Adams says
I am so sorry for your loss Maggie, Vinnie . My prayers go out to you both and the rest of your family. 🙏🙏🙏
Maggie Labrador says
Toby was one of the first people that I met when I worked at Chico’s. She was friendly and helpful and always ready with a wise crack! I will miss her and her love of life immensely. Prayers and many good thoughts to her and her family.
Anonymous says
We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed catching up whenever we ran into her over the years.
Jim and Carla Wilks
Amy Smith says
I loved taking classes at Wustum with Toby. Enjoyed her laughter and light. She will be missed.
Kathy Carnahan-Lenzey says
I had many a laugh with her and enjoyed working with Toby at Chico’s. She was a very kind and generous person with her wit, wisdom and self. She will be missed dearly. She left a deep foot print on this earth.
Sue Bossart says
Toby and I met in college at UW-Parkside. We were friends for many years before I move away. So many memories of the times we enjoyed together. Her laugh, her talent, her strength. That car of hers. Visiting her at the Village Smithy and taking class from her at Wustum. My prayers to her family and friends.
Jeanne Baas says
I am saddened to learn of Toby’s passing. I enjoyed every minute of time I spent at the museum in her classes as well as at many social gatherings and shows. She was always knowledgeable and willing to help me restart an Art Metals program with HS students. Her knowledge, expertise, guidance, and sense of humor were invaluable. She will be sorely missed.
jude parise says
My heart is devestated , Toby was the best friend one ever could ask for we met in 1980 in a sculpture class She was the party I will miss you every second of every minute of every hour of every day Jude
Steeny Gressick says
Just learned of your passing as I searched for you on FB, today. Loved your classes at Wustom. Thought you could help me make a ring from this moonstone. See you on the other side creative lady of wisdom, magic, and beauty.
David Carls says
Awwww, man. That is terrible news. Toby was so full of life that its hard to image that she is actually gone. Toby and I were friends in the late 70s and early 80’s and she was always a blast to hang out with. Over a period of a few years, we managed to drink all of her father’s stock of 99 cent wine. (blarpppp!). While I graduated from Parkside and moved away, Toby stayed in Racine and kept the faith. Whenever I think of home, I invariably think of Toby alongside all my other old friends and family.
Toby is the main reason I got a C+ in Algebra II and trig. We spent the entire semester just horsing around. I am shedding a few tears remembering my old friend and all the fun we had together.
I think Toby ‘s life philosophy might best be described with the button she wore on her jacket so many years ago. “F… Art – Let’s Dance”
I miss you – DC