Michaelene Ann Antinone

Micki was born in Rossford, Ohio, on August 24, 1941. She graduated from St. Ursula Academy in Toledo in 1959 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts from Bowling Green State University in 1963. Later in life, she earned her Master of Arts in Education from Cal Poly Pomona.

Throughout her life, Micki had a special place in her heart for children. As a special education teacher, she devoted her career to helping children with unique learning needs discover the ability and joy of reading. She believed every child deserved the opportunity to learn and brought patience, determination, and compassion to the classroom. Later in her career, Micki expanded that commitment by training and supporting other teachers, sharing her knowledge and experience so they, too, could help children with special learning needs develop the skills and confidence to read. Through both her own teaching, and the teachers she helped prepare, Micki’s work touched the lives of countless students and families and remained a source of great pride throughout her life.

Outside the classroom, Micki was creative and thoughtful. She especially loved making homemade greeting cards, putting her own personal touch into something that could brighten another person’s day. She also loved to travel, particularly enjoying her visits to France and a memorable trip to Australia.

Above all, Micki treasured her family. She is survived by her son, Michael Antinone (Erika Smith); her daughter, Ginamarie Austin-Bray (Mark Bray); her sister, Jacqueline Widows (Richard Widows); her grandchildren, Christopher Gaughan and Ashley Gaughan; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, California.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Reading Is Fundamental.