Deborah A. Toner, Beach Babies founder
Deborah A. (Kane) Toner left this earth early Thursday, March 4, 2021, while surrounded by family at her home. She was born Oct. 10, 1962 in Wilmington, daughter of the late Robert and Janet Kane.
Deb and her husband Tom began married life living in New Castle, later moving to the Middletown area, and lastly moving to “their home for life” in Rehoboth Beach, some 25 years ago. All immediate and other family members were always a welcome sight at their home. It has always been a home of love, friendship and kindness.
Upon moving to Rehoboth Beach, Deb commenced her career in the world of early childhood education. Starting in 1995, Deb, Tom and their small staff began with day care service for five children. Over the following 25 years, Deb, Tom, their son, Sean, and their staff, now have childcare operations in Lewes, Rehoboth, Townsend, and most recently Milford. Hundreds of children in every category, infant through Pre-K, before and after school, summer camp “Beach Buddies” programs, all enjoy the Beach Babies curriculum experience. The program in each location carries the DE STARS Five Star ranking in recognition reports. Deb especially has accomplished much to advance early childhood efforts here in Delaware and has been recognized nationally for her accomplishments in early childhood programs.
Deb’s passing marked the close of a five-year battle with cancer, along with other complications. Her fight with the disease was characteristic of how she lived her life. Over this course, Deb consulted and traveled to hospitals recognized for their work in fighting cancer, explored alternative treatment avenues and medicines, and educated herself on how best to deal with such an insidious disease. All the while, Deb maintained her attention to her business, and especially to her family. Deb fought with honor, never complaining, and left no stone unturned in her battle.
This story would not be complete without declaring that Deb Toner truly left her mark on the world, especially in a little beach town named Rehoboth Beach. Deb loved the beach, the entire beach experience, from restaurants and stores, to parades and holidays and sunny Sundays lazing on the beach. Deb particularly enjoyed her day of rest and relaxation among friends, families, and always her best friend, Tom. Please rest well, Deb, you left this sweet life a better place for all of us.
Deb leaves behind her best friend and husband, Thomas “Tom” Toner; her son and the other love of her life, Sean Toner; her grandchildren: Tyler Ward, Hailey Ward, Jackson Ward, and “Charlie” Toner; her siblings: Steve Kane, Bobby Kane and Peggy Kane and their families; and her additional family members: Paula Kane, Kimberly and Brian Ward, and Michael and Nikki Toner.
Services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Please visit Deb’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
