Mario Toledo was the neighbor we wished and prayed for when we made the big change to move from the city to the "country". His huge heart was evident from the very moment we pulled up with our moving van- he pulled in right after it and even started helping us unpack it (right alongside everyone else who came) all the while introducing himself and welcoming us to Ladue Rd.

On our many evening walks, we looked for him and visited "Mario's Chicken Palace" where his poultry live the high life of luxury because of his love and respect for animals of every kind.

Mario was an expert - In showing horses, growing and tending flowers, raising chickens, training dogs and so much more- we know this because he was always generous with his knowledge and humbly taught us by sharing stories from his own experiences as we walked around his yard or ours.

Mario was a helper- The summer that Joel spent adding the top floor & attic to our house, Mario saw that Joel's time was strained between all of his responsibilities. So all summer, without being asked, -just because he saw a need he knew he could fill for his neighbor- Mario came over and mowed our lawn for us. Every week. He shared his time and his abilities freely- we have so many living examples of his generous spirit in our gardens by way of cuttings and plants that he shared with us from his own yard and then helped us to plant.

Mario was an encourager- He always made a specific point to praise the children on their hard work in the garden or with the animals and they loved him so very much. When his car pulled up to our house, they excitedly checked to see if Gabby was riding shotgun and if so sticks were run and found for endless games of fetch. Mario loved to come see the baby goats and pigs and in this picture, snuggled one who was equally enamoured with him.

As a young mom with little children trying to figure out how to live in a very new-to-me place, Mario was always encouraging and never condescending when I made a mistake in farming - he loved to stop by to see what shenanigans the children and I were up to and often said "I wish you could be MY mom!" ☺️

He will be sorely missed by our family. We are blessed to have his memory with us in the place we shared and enjoyed with him.

-Carina Sawyer