Antoinette M. Vespa

Antoinette M. "Toni" Vespa, 90, of Springfield, IL died at 1:25 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2008 at St. John's Hospital. Antoinette was born April 21, 1917 in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph and Lucia Santini. She was married to Nicholas Vespa at St. Aloysius Church on June 7, 1941. He preceded her in death in 1984. Antoinette was a dedicated mother both to her children and brothers and sisters. She was part of the first graduating 8th grade class from St. Aloysius Grade School and a member of St. Aloysius Church before becoming a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Church. She spent her life devoted to creating a peaceful home that reflected deep family values. Antoinette was an exceptional cook and enjoyed tending to her vegetable garden. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, James Vespa; four brothers: Americo, Richard, Leo, and Nicholas Santini; and one sister: Mickelaine Kusturin. She is survived by two sons: Art (wife, Sandy) and Jerry (wife, Sherry) Vespa of Springfield; ten grandchildren: Joe (wife, Janet), Nick (wife, Jennifer), Tony (wife, Katie), Mike (wife, Dana), Steve, Gina, and Jessie Vespa; Sarah (husband, Joel) Mauney, Angela (husband, Gabe) Liles, and Andrea (husband, John) Shafer; six siblings: Carmen Santini of Auburn, IL, Arthur (wife, Pauline) Santini of Springfield, Riccardo Santini of Texas, Irene Baietto of St. Louis, MO, Flaviette Fulgenzi of Springfield, and Mary Ann Frasco of Loami, IL; as well as 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 11, 2008 with Reverend Donald Meehling, celebrant at St. Aloysius Church at 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield, IL 62702. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Louise de Marillac Guild c/o Catholic Charities, 120 S. 11th Street, Springfield, IL 62703 or to St. Aloysius Catholic School, 2125 N. 21st St., Springfield, IL 62702.