Mary "Toni" Anthony Kleiman

Born on August 23, 1941, in Spokane, Washington, to the late William John Bartch and Frances (Wagner) Bartch, Toni grew up in a Catholic military family, living all over the country before settling in Linda Vista, California. She graduated from Kearny High School in 1960.

Toni always dreamed of seeing the world, and after high school she followed in her sister Elizabeth’s footsteps by joining American Airlines as a stewardess, first based out of Los Angeles, then New York City. She loved her time in the city, especially working the LAX–JFK routes, and took full advantage of her travel benefits—visiting exotic destinations whenever she could.

It was on one of those flights, to Rome, Italy, that she met the love of her life, Jerry Kleiman, a young medical student at the University of Bologna. The two married in 1966. Toni converted to Judaism, though she never followed organized religion, and was a deeply spiritual woman who considered herself a true “Citizen of Mother Earth.”

After Jerry completed his service in the U.S. Army, the couple settled in California. They bought their first home in Huntington Beach in 1971, three years after welcoming their first child, Michael. Their second son, Jerome “JB,” arrived in 1973, and soon after, the family moved to a ranch property in Rancho Santa Fe—a dream come true for Toni, who loved open spaces and nature.

After being widowed in 1976, Toni raised two young boys on her own. She was a devoted, loving, protective, and endlessly supportive mother. Her home was always a gathering place filled with laughter and warmth, where she hosted holiday dinners, barbecues and family softball games that everyone remembers fondly.

Toni described herself as an investor, successfully managing rental properties and supporting various ventures. She was generous with her time and resources, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a place to stay to family and friends in need. Her heart and her home were always open.

Her compassion extended beyond people. Toni was a lifelong advocate for animals and the environment. She was a dedicated donor and ambassador for the ethical treatment of animals and the protection of our planet.

A true explorer at heart, Toni traveled extensively throughout her life, visiting destinations such as Africa, China, and Europe, and enjoying countless adventures along the way—from Safaris across the African Savanna to glitzy shopping trips through the bustling streets of Hong Kong with her many traveling companions including “The Chicas.”

Toni was predeceased by her parents, her husband Jerome “Jerry” Kleiman, her son Jerome “JB” Kleiman, her sister Phyllis Michelle Fiveash, and her nephews Justin Greene, Jonathan Greene, and Dylan Marshall.

She is survived by her son Michael Kleiman and his wife Kerry, her beloved grandchildren Camille Kleiman Sedillos and Benjamin Kleiman, her nieces Susan Greene and Patti Faber, and her nephews James Marshall, Michael Goodman and Martin Goodman.

Toni will be remembered as a vibrant, generous, and deeply loving woman who made life brighter for everyone who knew her. Her kindness, spirit, and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be part of her life. Please remember her in your prayers.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Rancho Santa Fe, California, in November 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helen Woodward Animal Center (https://my.animalcenter.org/give/49430/#!/donation/checkout) or mailed to: P.O. Box 64 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.

You may also donate to your local humane society in Toni’s honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Kleiman family.