I. Antonia Staniscia

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Nonna Antonia “Tonie”, who left us on September 26th at the age of 98. She was an incredible woman, the matriarch of our family and a cornerstone to all of our lives. She lived a beautiful, adventurous and full life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Early Life and Family

Born on January 17, 1927 in Mendoza, Argentina, Ignacia Antonia Staniscia was one of six children born to Agripino and Ignacia Giandinotto. She grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she met the love of her life and husband, Miguel Staniscia. They started their lives together and had two children, Maria Christina and Michael Angelo. Antonia was a talented seamstress and her husband a tailor, together they made the bold decision to move their young family to the United States in 1964. They settled in Phoenix, Arizona where they formed lifelong friendships, quadrupled their family and had a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Personal Life

Antonia was known for her hospitality and excellent food, known for having the hands of an angel in the kitchen. She loved to travel and had been to several different countries and spoke multiple languages. She was the first one to help anyone in need and often spent her evenings praying for the ones she loved. Antonia had a strong relationship with God and held Jesus close to her heart. She was fiercely loyal, funny and had a zest for life that could hardly contain her, even in the end.

Legacy

She is survived by her son-in-law Peter Spallek and daughter-in-law Anna Staniscia, her 4 grandchildren and their spouses; Melissa & Paul Kaehler, Jennifer & David Gagon, Michael & Faylene Spallek and Melanie & Juan Morales, her 16 great-grandchildren listed by family; Ezra, Nigel, Alexia, Bianca & Sebastian ~ Darek, Hanah & David Jr. ~ Kalub, Anthony & Michael ~ Adrian, Sonia, Fabian, Isaac & Ruben and her 3 great-great grandchildren listed by family; Elena ~ Matthew ~ Isaiah as well as numerous friends and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Michele “Miguel” Staniscia, daughter Maria “Christina” Spallek and son Michael “Mike” Staniscia and all five of her siblings; Dagoberto “Benito”, Martha, Maria, Salvatore “Ture”, Andres “Chiquito” and her parents.

Antonia will be remembered for her unwavering love, loyalty and support, as well as the joy and compassion she brought to all who knew her.

Service Information

A Rosary service will be held Friday November 7th at 7 pm at West Resthaven Funeral home in Glendale, AZ. A service to honor Antonia's life will be held on Saturday November 8th at Resthaven Cemetery in Glendale, AZ. Visitation will begin at 11 am and will be followed by her service which will conclude at her gravesite, at 2pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.

Our Nonna, Ignacia Antonia Staniscia’s spirit will live on in all her grandchildren through the lessons and experiences shared with each of them. She loved deeply, cared wholeheartedly and lived passionately. God, family and friends meant everything to her in the best of times, and to get her through life’s hardest moments. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Donations are being accepted @ https://gofund.me/89cfce5e2 to assist the family with the expenses related to Antonia’s services.