Antoinette “Toni” de Rover, 92, of La Porte, Indiana passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 31, 2021. 

 

Toni was born on February 4, 1929, in Michigan City, Indiana to the late Carl and Sophia (Kominiarek) Wisnieski.

 

On June 15, 1957, Toni married Robert de Rover who preceded her in death on December 25, 2010. She is survived by daughters, Renee (Doug) Buell of Michigan City, Indiana, Janet Wegiel of La Porte, Laura de Rover of La Porte, Nancy de Rover of Michigan City, Indiana; grandchildren, Dylan, Damon, Keith, Brianna, Cheyenne, Mallory, Natalie; great grandchildren, Calem, Noah, Molly, Nickolas, Roman, Maverick, and Tripp; a brother, Wallace (Joann) Wisnieski of La Porte; and a sister, Barbara Moritz.  She was preceded in death by her siblings, Carl Wisnieski Jr., and Charlotte Wallen.

 

Toni graduated from Ball State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Education degree and a minor in music.  She taught elementary school as well as music and art. Toni was an accomplished violinist.  Upon graduating from Ball State, she became Concertmistress of the South Bend Symphony. She was a founding member of the La Porte Symphony Orchestra where she was the Concertmistress for many years.  Additionally, she gave private violin lessons in her home. She opened the Learning Express in La Porte.  In 1984, she was awarded Woman of the Week.  When she turned 80, she began knitting scarves to donate to the shelters, elementary schools, or anyone in need.  She also knitted booties which she sent to St. Jude's Hospital.  She continued this until her passing.  In all, she knitted and donated over 1200 scarves. 

 

Toni never stopped thinking about her daughters.  Frequently, she would text them pictures of articles from magazines with all kinds of advice- from which vitamins to take to which foods to avoid. Every Monday night her daughters would receive a text message reminding them that America's Got Talent was on.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  When they visited, they knew Grandma would have plenty of food.  It made her smile to see them enjoying her homemade meals. She introduced all of them to her passion of playing video games. She was always young at heart.

 

In 1983, Bob and Toni bought a house on Lake Whittmer and nothing made them happier than having the whole family there.  In recent years, she enjoyed playing with her great grandchildren, teaching them songs, and swinging with them on her deck.  She will be missed dearly.

 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church, 109 C. Street, La Porte, Indiana. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in La Porte.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

 

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com.