Iris M. Tolbert

Iris M. Tolbert (1933–2023)

Iris M. Tolbert, 90, of Hingham, MA, died after a brief recurrence of lung cancer on October 21, 2023. She was known for her wry sense of humor, her interest and involvement in politics, her devotion to her family and friends, and her love of classical music and the arts.

Iris was born in Boston in 1933 to Frances (Sally) and Benjamin Moldaw. She was raised in Brookline and attended Brookline public schools and Boston University.

Iris worked at MIT for a number of years, first in the Department of Physics, and then as the administrative assistant to the head of the Department of Architecture. It was there that she met her future husband, Ralph, in 1960, where he was studying for his architecture degree. “She had such style,” Ralph said, “that heads would turn when she walked across the drafting room.” They were married in London in 1962.

Iris and Ralph raised their children, Jeff and Elizabeth, in Newton, where Iris was actively involved in the PTA and Newton politics. She later worked in several administrative positions, including the Center for Survey Research at UMass Boston.

In 2000, Iris and Ralph retired and moved to Centerville on Cape Cod, where they lived for 15 years. They then relocated to Linden Ponds in Hingham.

Iris is survived by her husband and children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Lillian Davis.

A gathering of friends will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the American Lung Association or the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Rose Court Continuing Care and the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice for their care and support.