Helen Tonini died on February 21, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida. Helen was born July 23, 1927, in Dayton, Ohio. She was a kind and outgoing person who most of all loved her family and friends – and a good party. She was also a great mom. She grew up in East Dayton and graduated from Wilbur Wright High School. She also attended Bowling Green State University and received an associate degree from Miami Jacobs Junior College. She was employed by several companies - most notably as an executive secretary for Mead Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. She retired in 1995 and moved to Sarasota, Florida to be with her daughter in October 2020 for her final years.
She was very proud of her Croatian Heritage as both her parents emigrated to the US. She served as an executive officer of the Yugoslav Club and South Slavic Club of Dayton for many years and was also a former President of the Croatian Fraternal Union chapter in Dayton.
Helen is survived by her husband Glen Tonini, her children Michael (Mary) Manchester & Kathy Manchester, great-grandchildren Gavin & Mason Manchester & their mother Melissa Oran, nieces & nephew Connie, Sue, and Robb Manchester and grandniece Maggie Ilic-Downing. She was preceded in death by her parents George & Katherine Vidakovic, first husband William Manchester, her grandson Alexander Manchester, and cousin Ljubica Ilic-Downing.
Helen will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.
Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 6, and a Celebration of Helen’s life at 11:00 am Thursday, March 7 at Tobias Funeral Home – Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills, Ave., Dayton, Ohio. Burial at Cavalry Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. Contributions may be made to the Humane Society. Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com
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