Antoinette J. Neff

Antoinette “Toni” J. Neff, age 55, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, March 26, 2010, in her home, surrounded by her family and friends following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born at Columbus, September 13, 1954, she was a daughter of Jeanne Stewart Iannelli, of New Philadelphia, and the late Agostino J. Iannelli.Best known by family and friends as Toni, she graduated New Philadelphia High School in 1973, and in 1977, graduated from Kent State University with a degree in nursing. On May 22, 1976, she married her best friend and high school sweet-heart, Fred Neff, with whom she celebrated thirty-three years of marriage. She’ll be remembered as a loving, devoted, compassionate caregiver not only by her family, but also by those she served during her thirty-four years of service as a nurse with Union Hospital at Dover, as well as by her colleagues she accompanied on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Although her health prevented her from making more than one trip, her heart remained squarely in service to others. Toni was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Her faith, especially her devotion to Mary, and her family heritage were among the great inspirations of her life. She enjoyed studying family genealogy, traveling three times to Italy to visit her ancestral homeland. Toni maintained a beautiful home for her family, always anticipating the next holiday with seasonal decorations throughout.In addition to her mother and husband, Toni leaves behind a son; Ricky (wife, Diana) Neff of New Philadelphia, and two daughters; Kristina Neff of New Philadelphia, and Marcella Neff of Columbus. Many friends who came regularly to care for her, and whom Toni looked upon affectionately as sisters, as well as her pets; Calli Wee, Santino “Sonny,” Bella, and Indi, complete the family. In addition to her father, Toni is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents; Ethel Stewart and Louis Bertoni, and her paternal grandparents; Antoinette Campanelli and Guiseppe Iannelli.Friends are invited to call Sunday afternoon, March 28, from 2PM â?? 5PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a Christian Wake Service will commence at 4:45. Monsignor George J. Schlegel will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial Monday afternoon at 2:30 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Philadelphia. At Toni’s request, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Improvement Fund at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Linn-Hert-Geib (330) 343-5506 www.geibcares.com