Margaret “Toby” Ahlman passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4th surrounded by family. She was 90 years old. Toby was born on May 2, 1928 in New York City. She met the love of her life, Sven “Robert” Ahlman while being an active member of a Swedish folk dancing group in New York City. They married on August 1, 1953. In 1962, they purchased a colonial home built in 1780 that “needed work”. It would be a 30 year project that would be a highlight of Bob & Toby’s life together. It was the home where they entertained often, hosted Christmas glog parties for friends, and where the Ahlman family Christmas was hosted every year. Toby was the grand hostess, supplying copious amounts of delicious food, extra measures of love, hospitality and open arms. . Her greatest joy and accomplishment outside of her marriage with Bob was being a mother to her three daughters, and grandmother to her three grandchildren and newly born great granddaughter. Her zest for life, her warm and compassionate heart was evident in how she served her community. She was a volunteer with Fish, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. As a member of the First Congregational Church of Litchfield, Toby served as the Assistant Director of Christian Education, Church Youth Choir Director, and as a member of the Fall Festival Committee. When she wasn’t involved in organized volunteer projects, she could be found helping neighbors and friends alike, inviting them in to her home for coffee and meals. In her later years, she and Bob bought a motor home and travelled the country; Toby loved the outdoors and nature, particularly birds. During the horrible floods in Missouri in 1996, she and Bob drove the motorhome to the affected areas and served as clean up volunteers. Toby is survived by her daughters, Kristin Ahlman of Malden, MA, Margit Gentile (Michael) of Winsted, CT and Ingrid Becton (Wes) of Elmhurst, IL , 3 grandchildren Emily Wilhelm (Jacob), Wesley & Sam Becton, and one great grandchild, Eleanor Rose Wilhelm. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 4th at 1:00 PM at the First Congregational Church in Litchfield, and internment following at East Cemetery on East Street in Litchfield. A reception will follow at Brandywine Senior Living at Litchfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, team name The Brandywiners on line, or checks can be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association and sent to Brandywine, 19 Constitution Way, Litchfield, CT 06759.