Born in Chicago, Illinois, Eunice was the daughter of the late George and Frances Anton. In addition to her husband, she leaves behind two daughters, Janet Roberts and her husband, Douglas of Sacramento and Linda Smith and her husband, Michael of Hinsdale, Illinois. She is also survived by four sons, Steven and his wife, Tina of Temecula, Leon and his wife, Helen of San Marino, John and his wife, Francie of La Quinta and Julian and his wife, Shannon of Coronado. She leaves behind 17 adoring and adored grandchildren and her sister, Geraldine (Peter) Filpi. She was preceded in death by her brother, George.
While living in Oak Park, Illinois, Eunice met her husband, Julian and was married on June 1, 1957. In late December 1968, Eunice, Julian and their six children relocated from Illinois to their new home in Riverside, California.
Eunice's life was dedicated to her family. At the wheel of her lemon yellow station wagon, she skillfully toted her six children to countless football and baseball practices & games, scouting events, swim team practices & meets, ballet lessons & performances, music lessons and, of course, school. Trained as a nurse, she also worked in her husband's medical office. Few knew of her financial abilities. She was smart, self-motivated and took various courses in real estate, taxes and financial planning, ultimately handling those responsibilities for her family. She was instrumental in motivating her six children to achieve in life, raising six medical professionals.
Eunice chose and enjoyed family life to the fullest. Married for sixty years, she loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She made holiday gatherings special for her family including hosting the annual Golden Easter Egg hunt, Christmas festivities complete with her famous apple pie, and the New Year's party with pickled herring.
Eunice was humble and modest but knew how to turn it up for special occasions. She was a woman of faith- a role model with a positive, kind and strong spirit. Even in her final days she was always optimistic. She never complained about the difficult times and in fact, thanked Julian every night for taking care of her as he tucked her into bed. Her signature goodbye was always, "Bless yourself and call when you get home".
A Rosary with visitation and funeral Mass in celebration of her life will be held at St. Andrews Newman Center in Riverside on Saturday May 5th starting at 10 a.m. with funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Burial to follow will be at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Colton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
