Antoinette "Toni" Carmela (Madonna) Atkinson

Antoinette “Toni” Carmela (Madonna) Atkinson, 93, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted wife, beloved mother, and cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be deeply missed.

Toni was born on February 17, 1932, in Port Chester, NY, to Josephine (Caminiti) and John Madonna, both originally from Fiumara, Reggio Calabria, Italy. After graduating from Port Chester High School, she worked at Life Savers Inc., where she met the love of her life, Charles “Chazz” James Atkinson. They married in 1952 and shared 58 wonderful years together, raising three daughters. In 1965, the family settled in Stamford, Connecticut, where they made their home for over 60 years.

After her youngest started kindergarten, Toni returned to the workforce as a secretary at Wells Fargo, previously Union Trust Bank. Her kindness, professionalism, and strong work ethic earned her the respect of her colleagues and the lasting friendship of many. Even after retiring, she remained close with former coworkers and continued to cherish those relationships for years to come.

Toni’s happiest moments were those spent with her family, especially when her grandchildren came to visit. She had a gift for making everyone feel special, always remembering their favorite snacks and making sure they were waiting when they arrived. Known for her beautiful smile and warm presence, she was a wonderful cook and gracious host, creating joyful memories through holiday dinners and backyard poolside barbecues. She loved gardening, traveling, using the computer, and family campground getaways. She found special joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially her favorite treat: a Dairy Queen Heath Blizzard. Thoughtful and kind, Toni never forgot a birthday and always made sure a heartfelt card or message was sent. The holidays held a special place in her heart, when cherished traditions brought everyone together under one roof.

Toni is survived by her three daughters and their spouses: Patti and Charlie Hunt of Vero Beach, FL; Joan and John Nano of Naples, FL; and Cheryl and Michel Daly of Stamford, CT. She was a proud and loving grandmother to four grandchildren and their spouses: Robert and Jennifer Atkinson, Joseph and Heather Nano, Jamie Daly, and Garrett Daly. She was also a devoted great-grandmother to Charlie and Riley Atkinson.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Chazz; her brother, Dominick Madonna; and her sister, Mary Iovanna.

Toni leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering kindness. She will always be missed; in the words of Ed Sheeran, “a heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved.”

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT. Interment will take place immediately afterward at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1 High Street, Rye Brook, NY.