Obituary of Evelyn M. Toner
Evelyn M. Toner of Freehold Township passed away peacefully at her home on Monday October 20, 2025; she was 75 years old. Evelyn grew up in New Hyde Park Long Island. Daughter to Evelyn Davidson and John Toner, she attended Herricks High School and spent her summers at camp in Cape Cod, Massachusetts with her beloved brother, Sean Toner. While there she was introduced to a horse named “Big Brother” at the riding academy which began a lifelong love of all things equestrian.
Evelyn idolized her grandmother, Evelyn Seide (Walter) who was Helen Kellers’ secretary and confidant for 37 years. Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, she too assisted the less fortunate throughout her life; tirelessly, and at times at great personal cost. Her love for her fellow human being was boundless, her heart always on her sleeve. Active in her church, Evelyn loved teaching religious education to the children when she had some free time.
An unconventional entrepreneur, Evelyn started a successful business in the early 2000’s. Not content, she returned to school and acquired a technical medical license. Evelyn retired from CentraState Hospital in 2022 a successful woman.
Evelyn spent her final years focusing on the people and the things she held most dearly. Crocheting with her mother, baking and gossiping with Tricia, shipping horses with Mike and Chris, of course the 2 AM refrigerator raids, and watching a scary movie with her grandson, Brendan; were as Evelyn said, “top shelf times”. Evelyn is survived by her life, partner, Micheal Zafferano; her four sons, Louis Grassi and his wife, Tricia (“my Tricia”), Christopher Grassi (“my Bear”), Anthony Grassi (“my Baby”), and Benjamin Grassi;her grandson, Brendan Grassi (“the one who makes the world right”) and sister-in-law, Annette Grassi (dearest friend).
To quote Pope Leo XIV in his first sermon as Pontiff as he declared to his cardinals; “Make yourselves small”, my mother Evelyn Toner did this inherently without direction and in doing so gained my eternal respect and love. We love you, Mom.
All arrangements are private under the direction of Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.