Antoinette Toni Mushinski

Antoinette (Toni) D. Mushinski, 90, passed away May 14, 2022 in Plainfield, Indiana.  Toni was born in Calumet City, Illinois, on March 18,1932.  Her parents were John Demas and Marie Benak and she was a beloved daughter, sister to Deana (Murray), and Angie (Kmiecik) and step-sister to Patsy and Millie. 

Growing up, Toni worked as a waitress in the family restaurant in La Porte, Indiana and it was there, at the age of 15, that Toni met the love of her life, a handsome Navy soldier named Richard Mushinski.  They were married on April 23, 1948 and were happily married for 62 years until Richard passed away in 2010.   Early in their dating life, Toni told Richard that she wanted to have a large family and she was very specific in defining that as having seven children.  Over the course of their marriage, they did just that.  They raised their seven children (Mary, Barbara, Terri, Mark, Roger, Aileen, Eric) in the Catholic faith and taught each of them early on about the value of faith, family and love. 

Toni devoted herself to the job of raising her family and being the cheerleader for each and every child, grandchild, great-grandchild and their spouses.  While Richard worked to provide for the family, Toni kept track of her children and household.  She was adept at juggling many hats: Loving and Supportive Spouse, Mother, Confidante, Church Volunteer, Family Financial Planner and dear friend to many.  She was a joy to be with, had a sharp mind and wit, an easygoing and fun personality, and a strong work ethic. 

Her special gift was that she genuinely cared and wanted to know about each and every person she met.  She was an attentive listener and retained every detail shared with her, so that she could just resume your conversation the next time you would have the good fortune of talking with her.

After Richard passed in 2010, she resided at Sugar Grove Assisted living in Plainfield, Indiana, where she was known as “the mayor of Sugar Grove”, always welcoming new residents and becoming an expert euchre player.  Later on, when she came to rely on her caregivers for support, she quickly became their favorite because she knew each and every one by name, asked them about themselves and always showed appreciation for every task, no matter how great or small.  Our family is especially grateful to the dedicated staff at Sugar Grove who cared so well for Toni in her later years. 

Toni’s legacy beyond the many lives that she touched and the days that she brightened for others, was her large and close-knit family.   Barbara Fulk and husband Rodger Ferguson, Bloomington, IL; Terri Shay and husband Brent, Plainfield, IN; Mark Mushinski and wife Tammie , Chesterfield, MO; Roger Mushinski and wife Cheryl, Parkville,  MO; Aileen Wilkins and husband Jim, Garfield, AR;  and Eric Mushinski, Mattoon, IL; 16 grandchildren, Mary Beth Schaefer (Michael); Ben Fulk (Jen); Monica Webb  (Jeff); Blake Shay (Shelby); Zach Mushinski; Paige Mushinski;  Lauren Mushinski ; Amber Bettis (Daniel); Whitney Moeller (Brandon); Nathan Mushinski  (Emily); Aaron Mushinski; Caleb Mushinski; Logan Wilkins (fiancé Kelly O’Donnell); Evan Wilkins; Jenna Wilkins; Chance Mushinski;  16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, and 1,000 friends. 

She was preceded in death by her daughter Mary, husband Richard, and sister Deana.  Toni was a member of St. Susanna Catholic Church in Plainfield.  Visitation will be on Friday, May 20, at Hampton Gentry Funeral Home, 106 Shaw Street, Plainfield, Indiana, 46168 between 11 am and 1 pm and the Service will be held there at 1pm. 

Donations may be made to St. Susanna Church, 1210 East Main Street, Plainfield, Indiana, 46168 or to Active Grace Food Pantry, 10740 East County Road 700 South, Camby, Indiana, 46113. 

The joy that she brought to this life is immeasurable and it is now our turn to cherish it and carry it forward.

Live Stream Link: https://my.gather.app/remember/antoinette-mushinski