Antonia Suzanne Short

Born February 1, 1956, Antonia was the daughter of Jack and Concetta “Jay” Hawkins and grew up on the south side of Indianapolis, surrounded by the love of her large Italian family. Antonia was brought up with a strong sense of family and work ethic that defined the woman she was throughout her life.

“Toni Sue,” “Toni,” or “Sue,” as she was commonly known, was a beacon of light. She brought joy and laughter to anyone who knew her—although she never met a stranger. She had an infectious laugh, a caring spirit, and a gentle soul, touching countless lives with her warmth, kindness, generosity, and humor. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, going above and beyond for anyone who needed it and making them laugh along the way.

She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and later graduated from Ladywood-St. Agnes High School. Her career began at an early age, working at the City Market, where her charming personality and million-dollar smile drew customers to her family’s produce stand. She later excelled in customer service roles at US Air and Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL), where her dedication, empathy, warmth, and work ethic made her a beloved figure among her colleagues and customers. Even after retirement, her passion for helping people and strong work ethic led to a successful career in real estate, where she became a member of the million-dollar club.

Outside of work, she kept busy spending time with her sisters, family, and friends, pursuing many of her passions. She was a devout Catholic and found solace and strength in her faith, attending weekly mass with her husband. She loved being outside, gardening (she always ensured Monsignor’s flowers were fresh and well-kept), laying in the sun by the pool or on the beach, or learning to play golf at Crooked Stick Golf Club. She loved traveling, shopping, or hitting the casino and was always up for a card game outside of her weekly Euchre club.

She also had a special bond with her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, who affectionately and very lovingly referred to her as “Aunt Boo.” She loved being surrounded by her “babies,” making them laugh with her famous “dog bark” and silly personality, spoiling them with candy, treats, and toys, and showering them unconditionally. Antonia loved being surrounded by her family and thrived in the chaos that came with it.

But above all, she was a loving mother, grandmother, and wife. She cherished her time with her husband Frank, her son Tommy, and her granddaughters Giuliana and Natalia. Her love for her son and granddaughters was boundless. They were her pride and joy and the true lights of her life.

Antonia’s legacy will live on through her husband, son, and granddaughters and in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. She is remembered not only as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend but also as an extraordinary woman with the biggest heart who enriched the lives of everyone around her. May her soul rest in peace.

Antonia was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Concetta Hawkins. Her aunts, Santa (Henry) Bayt, Margaret Ann Constantino, and Mary Nancy Constantino, who helped raise her after her parents died at a young age, and her brother Michael Bayt.

Antonia is survived by her husband Frank, son Tommy (Andrea) and granddaughters, Giuliana and Natalia Short; her brothers and sisters MaryAnne Hawkins (Tom Sarfaty), Theresa Mascari (Mike), Concetta DeFabis (Philip), Jack Hawkins (Angie), Hazel Lorah, Betty McColgan (Gary), Gina Battiston (John), Phillip Bayt (Bonnie Gallivan), Demetrio Bayt (Terry), Tony Bayt, Jack Bayt (Rosemarie), Antonia Zunarelli (Roberto), Hank Bayt and Mary Bayt; her nieces and nephews Nick (Chelsea), Antonia and Concetta Mascari, Concetta Lorah, Christina Sondhi (Neil) and Luke Lorah (Manuela), Jack Hawkins Jr. (Madison), Lauren McColgan, Gabriella, Isabella and Zach Battiston, Catherine Judson (Will), AJ Bayt, Paul Bayt (Gina), Demetria Selman (Brian), Gina Glas (Grant), Lucia McBroom (Matt), Jack Bayt II, Julian Zunarelli, Nadia Zunarelli (Moises) and Carmela Verderame; and her great nieces and nephews, Gianna, Isabella, Luca and Sofia Mascari, Sebastian Lorah, Lakin and Jack Hawkins, Vera Bayt, Hughland and Magnolia Selman, Madeleine and Griffin Glas and James and Margaret McBroom.

A visitation for Antonia will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7575 Holliday Drive East, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260. A morning prayer will occur Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:30 AM, followed by Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church and entombment at Our Lady of Peace Mausoleum, 9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Antonia’s honor to the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center and St. Luke Catholic Church.