Alberta Caroline Toman

Alberta “Bert” Caroline Toman, age 85, of Arlington, passed away peacefully at her home on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 23, 1940, in Weeping Water, Nebraska, Bert was the daughter of the late Albert and Clara Kirchhoff and the second of six children. Raised on the family farm in Lincoln, Nebraska, she inherited a strong faith, a determined spirit, and a deep-rooted belief in hard work—qualities that shaped her entire life.

In 1959, Bert left home to pursue her dream of traveling the world. She joined Central Airlines as a stewardess and began a life of new adventures in the skies. It was there she met her future husband, John Toman, and the two were married on August 25, 1965. She left her career as a stewardess to begin a new chapter as a mother, her first daughter, Melissa, was born in May 1966.

The family moved several times in the following years—from Mill Valley, California, where daughters Julie and Debbie were born, to Plantation, Florida, and finally settled in Arlington, Texas, in 1971 where she raised her three daughters and built a strong community of enduring relationships. Bert returned to the workforce in the early 1980s and spent over three decades at RAZ Imports in Fort Worth, retiring in 2015 at the age of 75. She left behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty and dedication to the company and her colleagues.

Bert was raised in the Lutheran Church and carried a strong faith throughout her life—one she passed on to her daughters. She was known for her hilarious stories, her sense of humor, and her refreshing honesty—no one ever had to guess where they stood with Bert. She made friends easily and formed lifelong connections, including with her two best friends from her flying days, Mary Little and Doris Rector.

A true animal lover, especially small dogs, Bert’s home always had a rescued or found four-legged companion. She ran a lively household, raising three daughters while keeping up with an active work and social life – there was never a slow day. She loved to travel and took great joy in cooking for family and friends. She was an avid fan of British comedies, period dramas and detective thrillers, and never missed her daily dose of Judge Judy.

Bert is survived by her former husband, John Rowell Toman; daughters Melissa Hope Toman, Julie Anne Toman (Geoff Irvine), and Deborah Sue Toman; and her beloved grandchildren, Gabrielle Elise Armstrong and Derian John Armstrong.

She is also survived by her sister Loretta Hartman, her brother Dwayne Kirchhoff, and many loving nieces and nephews: Emily Elise Elsesser, Nichole Kirchhoff-Evans, Josh Kirchhoff, Rick Kirchhoff, Randy Kirchhoff, Bryan Kirchhoff, Kim Michaels, Jeff Hartman, and David Hartman.

Bert lived a full, bold, and generous life. Her legacy of love, laughter and strength lives on in the family she loved and the many lives she touched.

A celebration of Bert’s life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Wade Funeral Home 4140 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington TX 76013.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Bert’s name to the Arlington Humane Society, the SPCA of Texas or any local dog rescue organization.