Sheryl Lynn Winslow Hoffman Toney

“In our desire to make Sheryl’s recordings available to the public and keep her legacy alive, we are pleased to announce her new website just went LIVE! You can access it by going to www.sheryltoney.com.” 

Sheryl Lynn Winslow Hoffman Toney, 68, of Simi Valley, CA went to heaven August 1, 2024 after heart failure. She was born to Cleon and Jo Winslow September 14, 1955 in Newport, RI. 

Sheryl loved music. Her study of piano began at age 7 with Margaret Power, Pat Robinson, and former concert pianist Edith Knox (whose teacher studied under Rachmaninoff). Her lifelong teaching of private lessons started in 1970. She graduated South High School in Torrance, CA in 1973. After winning a concerto competition in 1976, Sheryl gave a moving performance of Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto #2 with the Peninsula Symphony from Palos Verdes in Redondo Beach, CA. She won "Artist of the Future" and graduated UCLA in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theory & Composition. Sheryl was a member of Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) 1978-2024, most recently serving as recording secretary for the Conejo Valley branch. In 1997 Sheryl accompanied performing artist Whitney Crist's recital of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto #3, Opus 30. Over the years, she created many compositions and arrangements, played organ or keyboard at her church, and sometimes led the worship team. Sheryl had many piano students throughout her life and adored every single one. 

Sheryl was multi-talented, proven by her home's decorating and landscaping, handling of household and rentals' financial management, researching/creating healthy and tasty meals, and prioritizing her days for the most productivity, with perfection as the standard. Yes, Sheryl was a person who kept "to do" lists. 

Sheryl knew her Creator and trusted in her Savior, Jesus. The center of her life was her faith in the Lord, with whom she enjoyed a vigorous and continuous conversation. People were drawn to her because she was unfailingly considerate, compassionate, unselfish and sweet. She was devoted to God's service, attending StoneBridge Community Church in Simi Valley, CA since 2009, where she served as Deaconess and Women's Ministry leader, participated in discipleship and growth committees, taught classes, and attended Bible studies, listening to her Bible App daily. No matter the situation, Sheryl never wavered from her Bible beliefs, and commitment to the Lord. 

Sheryl loved her family, could not wait to gather with them, and had a hard time saying goodbye's. Sheryl was a patient mother and displayed her unconditional love in many ways to her four children. She called each of her children often and was so happy they were busy with their lives and families. She always told them how proud she was and that she loved them. Sheryl's happy place was when her family was gathered together under one roof visiting, cooking, laughing and playing games. She heroically attempted to teach her four children music, but tragically none of them was gifted. The music gene was passed down to her grandkids, William and Lucas. Sheryl would spend hours discussing music theory and improving together. Music was a big part of her identity, but she was also a talented baker. She loved cooking and baking with her grandchildren and taught them many recipes and baking tricks. 

As a young mother, Sheryl lost her daughter, Candace, to cancer. Although it was difficult, she willed herself to be a present and involved mother. Sheryl loved and accepted each child for who they were and encouraged them to explore their talents. She would cheer on Rochelle at soccer and attended almost every one of Jimmy's and Daniel's water polo games. 

Sheryl was predeceased by her daughter Candace Hoffman, her father Cleon, her in-laws David and Loretta Hoffman, and in-laws Omer and Betty Toney. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 15 years, Michael Toney of Simi Valley, CA; brother- in-law Larry Toney and wife Peggy of Norfolk, VA; daughter Rochelle Larson and husband Brian, along with their sons William and Lucas, of Ft. Collins, CO; son James Hoffman of Long Beach, CA; son Daniel Hoffman and wife Ginna of Las Vegas, NV; James L. Hoffman of La Crescenta, CA, father of her four children. 

Also surviving Sheryl is her loving mother Jo Winslow of Laguna Niguel, CA; twin sister Lillian Reichert and husband Gary of Victor, MT; brother David Winslow and wife Judy of Encinitas, CA; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Sheryl was the sweetest and kindest soul. She was the example of a pure hearted person who may have been the greatest gift in everyone's lives that she touched. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her and, if you knew her, you could not help but love her. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating in Sheryl's name to Avenues Pregnancy Clinic, 1911 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Ste. A, Glendale, CA 91201 at www.avenuespregnancyclinic.org , (818) 843-0424; OR, to donate to a music scholarship in Sheryl's name, please make check payable to "MTAC Conejo Valley" (MEMO: The Sheryl Toney Memorial Scholarship), and mail check to: Brad Gregory, MTAC, Conejo Valley Treasurer, 112 Castilian Ave, Newbury Park, CA 91320. 

Sheryl's Celebration of Life is September 14, 2024, at 10 AM, StoneBridge Community Church, 4832 Cochran St., Simi Valley, CA 93063, (805) 526-5475.