Antoinette Marie Teresa Grace Marcantonio Rossi, affectionately known as Deanie, Toni, Mum, and O.L., passed away peacefully at her home in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with family by her side. She celebrated her 100th birthday in June.
She grew up in Devon with her four siblings and, after high school, became assistant controller of Haverford College. She married Frank J. Rossi, Sr., in 1948, and was a longtime resident of Malvern.
Her passion for fashion and sense of style inspired her to open four clothing boutiques called The Bustle Stop. The first shop was in what had been her in-laws’ home on Lancaster Avenue in Paoli, where she and Frank had lived at the start of their marriage.
At age 50, she joined her husband, Frank, in his favorite pastime and became an avid golfer. Together, they shared many years golfing with friends and in tournaments at Chester Valley Golf Club.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and served as a Eucharistic minister there and in the homes of others for many years.
Antoinette was known for her quick wit, sense of humor, and compassionate, giving nature. She cared for many of her loved ones: her mother in her final days, her husband, Frank, through chronic heart conditions, and her sister Mikie through a terminal illness.
Toni will be remembered for her incredible sense of style and fashion, as well as her culinary skills. She always made it look easy. She loved entertaining and was a wonderful host, celebrating themed holiday meals and traditions at every turn, with an open invitation to anyone who didn’t have family nearby. A favorite among friends and family was her annual Pie Day open house.
Her home reflected her passion for antiques and her great eye for style. She arranged interiors so that they felt cozy and welcoming as well as pretty.
Her wit and outlook on life live on in her favorite sayings: “Do not complain about growing old, as many are denied the privilege” and “Never fly into a rage…you always make a bad landing.” Her family will also remember her familiar refrain: “Home again, home again, jiggety-jig.”
She was predeceased by her husband, Frank J. Rossi, Sr.; her parents, Pasquale Marcantonio and Lauretta (Laura) Norcini; and her siblings, Pierina DiPiano, Michela Marcantonio, Laura DeCecco, and Samuel G. Marcantonio.
She is survived by her children, Frank J. Rossi, Jr., and his wife, Beth; John T. Rossi; Lori Rossi and her partner, Ed Howard; and Larry Rossi. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Jason Yamas, Amanda Rossi and her husband John Andrade, Greg Rossi, and Christopher Yamas; and her two great-grandchildren, Swayze Kay Burrows and Arkady Lou Mosthof.
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday, October 8th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Church, 104 Channing Avenue, Malvern, Pennsylvania, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at St. Monica’s Cemetery, 1175 Old Lancaster Road, Berwyn, Pennsylvania.
In keeping with her passion for style, please feel free to dress as you would like. Any color or pattern is welcome; traditional dark attire is not required. In honor of Toni, a feminist at heart, please consider a contribution in her memory to Wings for Success, now a program of The Wardrobe, at www.wardrobepa.org
