Antoinette "Toni" Breihan

She is survived by her children Pat Wallace (George) of Raleigh, NC and Steve Breihan (Michael Gianino) of St. Louis and Santa Barbara, CA. Her eldest son Jack Breihan preceded her in death two years ago, and they are survived by Jack’s wife Ann of Baltimore, MD and Toni’s grandchildren Tom, Jim and Margaret, and her great-grandchildren Clara, Finn, Teddy, Ben and Charlie. Toni’s husband of 57 years Erv Breihan passed away in 2002. Her special friend in later years Bill Malcolm passed away in 2016. Her parents Bernard V. Corcoran and Antoinette Tyrrell (Al) preceded her in death. Toni was a beloved step-grandmother and step-great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.

Toni led a remarkable life over the past 103 years. She was a life-long learner— always curious, continually reading and praying, staying fit and active. Toni was raised in New York City and became a high-powered secretary and model who worked for PR legend Steve Hannagan, Pan American Airways and the Belgian Government in Exile. She met a deeply tanned Navy officer in his dress whites just back from fighting in the South Pacific during WWII—Erv Breihan from St. Louis. They married in 1945 and began their life together in St. Louis, first in Affton and then at Star Hill in South St. Louis County. As they raised their family, Toni delighted in her children and was a lively, fun mom—always there for her kids and in the front row at every game and performance. She was a warm hostess and tirelessly volunteered for schools and many organizations. She also trained and showed their dog Laddie very successfully in obedience competitions.

Erv was president of Horner and Shifrin Consulting Engineers, and also served a term as president of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, and Toni supported him and planned the ladies’ programs for numerous national conventions. Toni and Erv were also charter and very active members of the St. Louis Ambassadors, organized in the 1960’s to promote the revitalization of St. Louis. They were even early investors in the Goldenrod Showboat.

In the 1970’s, Toni put her knowledge to work as a professional tour guide for the St. Louis Scene, making visitors fall in love with her adopted city. She eventually directed all guide training. After retiring from the Scene in the 90’s, Toni put her deep Christian Faith into action as a docent at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. She also recorded books for the St. Louis Society for the Blind.

Toni and Erv became world travelers as well, fascinated by other countries and cultures.

After Erv passed away, Toni moved to her new home in Clayton, the Barclay House. She quickly organized Dining Out with Toni excursions, and made many new and dear friends, including Bill Malcolm. They loved live jazz, dancing and traveling and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Toni was always the life of the party and adored her family and friends. She made her life count and will be greatly missed.

The family also wishes to thank her aides, Letricia Hayes and Michelle Fleming.

Funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 6 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 106 N. Meramec Avenue in Clayton, Missouri, with visitation at the church from 9-11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Toni’s memory to the APA Adoption Center of St. Louis - apamo.org

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