Toni Cardi

Toni Ann Cardi, age 72, passed away peacefully on May, 8, 2021. Loving sister to Jack (Susan) Cardi and Mary Jo (Bruce) Katz; devoted aunt to Sam Sherwin and Aaron (Michelle) Sherwin; cherished great aunt of Cassidy, Charlotte, and Max. Toni is survived by many dear friends, including Mary Kay DiNova and Nurse Jamie at Capri Gardens.

Toni was born August 30, 1948, the eldest child of Jack Cardi and Dorothy Jones. She was named after her father’s celebratory meal that evening, rigatoni. A proud graduate of Bishop Watterson, class of 1966, Toni formed lifelong friendships and stayed active in the Watterson community throughout her life. Days after high school graduation, she started a thirty-year career at Ohio Bell (AT&T). Always faithful to northwest Columbus, Toni eventually became a resident of the Kendale neighborhood.

Forever a Leo, Toni was incredibly loyal and loved fiercely. Forget her sleeve, Toni wore her emotions as bright as her trademark red lipstick and classic white blouse. She had a gift for putting people at ease— you felt her kind heart with every interaction. No mug or t-shirt was necessary to validate her title as World’s Greatest Aunt, because caring for her nephews came so naturally to Toni. It was in her DNA to help, willing to part with her last dollar if necessary or drive to the other side of town in her extra-small Geo at a moment’s notice.

Toni tempered her outrageous sense of humor with a hearty laugh. She could talk for hours on the phone and take up all of the real estate on your voicemail with an emotional message that could suddenly turn into boisterous laughter. Blessed with award-winning cursive, Toni was also a dedicated letter writer.

A voracious reader of the Dispatch and The Other Paper, Toni was keyed in on current events and the latest local gossip. She loved football and basketball, and coached high school girls hoops in the 80s. A die-hard Buckeyes fan, she enjoyed watching games with friends and once attended the Women’s Final Four. She also loved the Supremes, Bob Dylan, The View, dog-sitting, Patrick J’s, and, maybe most of all, Miller Lite. “How many beers did you have tonight, Toni?,” her Mom would ask. “Mom, I only had two,” Toni would say. Her Mom would respond. “Toni, you stopped counting at two!”

A celebration of Toni’s life will be held on Saturday, June 5, 4pm-7pm, at the Columbus Italian Club, 1739 W. 3rd Ave, 43212. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bishop Watterson Family Scholarship in Toni’s memory by visiting www.bishopwatterson.com