Antoinette Airns (Toni), of Lynda Avenue, age 94, died peacefully with her daughter by her side at St. Joseph's Hospital on Tuesday, June 14. She was born in Fort William on October 15, 1921, the youngest of 5 children to Michael and Maddalena Dolce of Empire Avenue.
Her mother died when she was just 4 years old, leaving her father, a recent immigrant to Canada, to raise 5 children on his own. Although times were tough for the family in the early years, her brothers and sisters were all very close and supportive to each other.
She loved to ice skate in the winter at the outdoor rinks in Westfort. At that time, there was music and couples would skate together. She often described knitted hats and sweaters that she would wear for these special evenings. No matter how cold it was, the sisters were at the skating rink. It was here she met a Scottish lad, Robert, whom she married on August 21, 1940. During WW2, while her husband was overseas, she worked at the Canada Car.
Her happiest times were spent with family and friends throughout the years. She was very close to her sisters, Felicia and Jennie and they spent many happy times together. Mom was a gentle, compassionate lady, always thinking of others. She lived on Valour Place for several years and treasured the friendships she made there.
Up until a few weeks ago, she still read the paper every day, made toast and marmalade for our dog, Rufus, every morning, and never missed Coronation Street. She had great love for her Lord, read her Bible every morning and prayed daily for her family and friends.
Toni was predeceased by her husband, Robert (Scotty) in 1983, son Bob Airns in 2010 and granddaughter Sarah Airns in 2014. Also predeceased by her parents Michael and Maddalena Dolce, brothers Joseph (Louella) and Nick (Josie) Dolce, sisters Felicia Hummel (Gene) and Jennie Stieh (Ted) and nephews David and Gary Stieh.
Survived by loving daughter Susan Shaw, son-in-law Garry, daughter-in-law Karen Airns (Cherie, Bill), daughter-in-law Cecilia Airns (Ted), grandchildren: Laura Airns, Bob Airns (Kourtni), and Diamond MacKenzie, great-grandchildren: Cole MacKenzie, Morgan Kennedy and Jacob Wright,
great great-grandchild: Jacob MacKenzie-Whent. Also surviving are nephews: Michael Hummel; Bob, Jim, Joe and John Dolce; Bob, Bruce, Brian, Terry and Rick Smith. Also surviving and missing his toast, her loving dog Rufus.
The family would like to thank the staff of 2C, Thunder Bay Regional and 2 South, St. Joseph's Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion during mom's last days. We also thank Dr. Chris Lai and Dr. D. Franchi for their care of mom over the years. We are grateful for the care Mom received from CCAC and Bayshore Home Health over the last several years.
If so desired, donations in mom's memory can be made to the Salvation Army or the Thunder Bay District Humane Society.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service, officiated by Redwood Park Church, will be held at a later date.
The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3
