Tobe was born in Irvington, New York. She graduated from St. John’s University. In 1954 she married Daniel D. Finnigan until his death in 1985. There was never a time when she wasn’t employed. Working for the Vanderbilt or Bronfman families in NYC, her role as a top-level executive assistant had her in demand. One of her favorite positions was with the New York Central Railroad, marketing the famous Twentieth Century Limited Train. Later in her career she was proud to have worked with: North Shore Hospital, Adelphi University, and St. John’s University. In 1995 she married Dr. Hagop (Jack) Mashikian and together they traveled extensively, seeing places like: Armenia, Ireland, and Alaska. Jack and Tobe are revered as major forces in the establishment and building of St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas, Florida.