Antonia Herne

Antonia Herne passed peacefully surrounded by her family after battling a brief illness. She was 91.

Antonia was born to Cataldo & Angela Grammatica in Bari, Italy. She grew up in the port town of Civitavecchia and then Libya, Africa. Before coming to America, Antonia lived in a refugee camp in Italy with two of her siblings. After the war, her family made their way to America. Antonia was the last, after her parents and seven siblings, to make the ten-day journey across the pond. Antonia, now to be called Toni, immigrated through Ellis Island, NYC, and joined her family in Rochester, NY, July 22, 1955.

Toni was a well-known seamstress, earning her diploma from NECCHI in Civitavecchia. She could create anything with her sewing machine, which would eventually include all three of her daughters' wedding dresses.

She was introduced to Vernie Herne in 1960 and the two were married on February 11, 1961 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Rochester with Father Robert J. Fox presiding. They celebrated 63 years this year.

Toni was a staff member of the St. Regis Mohawk School, beloved by staff and students alike. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick's Church Altar and Rosary Society as well as a Eucharistic Minister, and the Rural Letter Carrier's Association Auxiliary.

She loved growing flowers and vegetables, taking care of her yard, and making everyone their favorite foods when surrounding her table. She especially loved traveling the country to visit her children, and time spent with all her grandchildren.

Toni is survived by her loving husband, Thomas "Vernie" Herne, her children, Cathy (Mark) Parow, Angela (Ed) Rios, Joe (Joanne) Herne, Tommy Herne and Nancy (Eric) Christie, and her grandchildren, Erin, Heather, Lacey, Dylan, Amanda, Kayla, Keith, Michael, Haley, Daniel and Marissa. She was also blessed with many great grandchildren.

She is survived by her brother-in-law, Kenneth Terrance, and sisters-in-law Adua Grammatica and Gisela Herne. Her chosen daughter, Retha (Herne) Leno and another loving granddaughter, Michelle (Benedict) Cook. Toni also has many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. No one left her presence feeling less than special.

Toni was predeceased by Cataldo and Angela Grammatica, Mose and Katie Herne, her siblings, her in-laws, and their spouses. She was also predeceased by her grandson, Cory Herne in 2008, and her daughter in-law, Priscilla "Bulla" Herne in 2016.

Funeral arrangements are with Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, NY, where friends may call on Wednesday 2-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday 11:00 AM at the St. Regis Mission Church with Father Chris Lauzon presiding.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Regis Mission Catholic Church.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences to her family online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.