Ann Toya

Ann Toya, 96, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side on April 16, 2021.

Born Anna Maria Katarina Reiss-Koenig in Hallein, Austria, on April 28, 1924. Ann survived the WWII German occupation of Austria and met her sweetheart and future husband Anthony (Tony) Toya during the allied occupation after the war. Following the love in her heart, she left family, friends, and the beautiful mountains of Salzburg, to live in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico.  Ann and Tony were married in the San Diego Mission Church in Jemez Pueblo.  She worked in the Pueblo with her in-laws and was welcomed by the people of Jemez, while Tony commuted every day to work at Sandia National Laboratory. 

They soon moved to Albuquerque’s North Valley where Tony built the home for his family, working nights after work and on weekends, a home she treasured because it was built with his love.

Only after her two sons were old enough to go to school did Ann work outside the home.  She first worked for Amrep Corporation, the founding company of the new town of Rio Rancho.  She also worked for the Gas Company of New Mexico and later with the Albuquerque High School.

Ann was active with the German Club of New Mexico performing Austrian & German folk dances and traditional New Mexico dances.  She loved to travel, especially to visit her friends and family in Europe.  As she got older she became even more active, participating in the Senior Olympics in both swimming and track & field events.  She traveled with the Senior Olympics to other US cities representing New Mexico. She also enjoyed skiing and hiking.

Ann is survived by her sons Ronald Toya and wife Peggy of Albuquerque, and Robert Toya of Jemez Pueblo, who was also her caregiver; three grandchildren, Dena Blair and husband Nathan of Denver, CO, Darren Toya of La Cueva, and Ryan Toya and wife Felicia of Espanola; and four great-grandchildren, Rachael and Sarah Blair of Denver, CO and Trinity and Liam Toya of Espanola.

She was preceded in death by her husband Anthony Toya, her parents, her grandson Douglass Toya, and other precious family members.

She was easy to love with her smile, her laugh, and her yodel.

Special thank you to the staff of Roadrunner Hospice for taking great care of our Ann. We also are grateful to Cece Cates and Victor Chung for all their love and support.

A rosary will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at 9:30AM at Aquinas Newman Center on the UNM Campus, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00AM. Interment will take place at a later date at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.