Toby S. Stearn Obituary, Death – Toby S. Stearn, a beloved resident of the Greenfields Retirement Community, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the age of 94. Her life was a testament to dedication, love, and a commitment to both family and career. Toby was born on September 21, 1928, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, as the daughter of Nathan and Gertrude Sigman.
She grew up in a loving family, and her upbringing laid the foundation for the incredible life she would go on to lead. In due course, she found love and companionship in the form of Kenneth Stearn, whom she united in marriage with. Toby’s professional journey was remarkable. She embarked on a career as a dental hygienist, dedicating more than two decades to her craft.
Her commitment to her work was evident in the care she provided to her patients and her unwavering dedication to excellence. Yet, Toby was more than just a talented dental hygienist. She was a devoted mother and wife, juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and her career with grace and skill. Simultaneously, she played an integral role in the family business, Stearn’s Pharmacy, located at 2525 West North Avenue in Chicago.
This pharmacy had been a beacon of health and community service since its inception in 1925 and was under the stewardship of the Stearn family until 1972. Toby’s husband, Kenneth, was a second-generation pharmacist who carried on this legacy of service, later dedicating his expertise to Children’s Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1995. Toby is survived by her two children, Deborah Stearn and David Stearn, along with their families. Her two granddaughters, Shana Helton and Sharla Ann Stearn, and her two great-granddaughters, Sarah and Rosa Helton, continue to carry forward the legacy of love and compassion that Toby instilled in her family.
