Antoinette “Toni” F. DeLauff - September 6, 2023 Petaluma, CA
March 9, 1919
Antoinette “Toni” F. Verines DeLauff, first generation, San Franciscan lived 104 amazing year’s, bringing love, joy, and a great sense of humor to her family and her many friends. Antoinette‘s character, generosity and humor were qualities she acquired from her adoring parents, both immigrants from France. Her mother, Aimee Carrie Verines, was beloved in the San Francisco Bayview “French Colony” where Antoinette grew up. In addition to family and friends, Aimee embraced her community, providing room and board to those in need. Antoinette inherited her father’s wit and wisdom. In the early 1900’s Francois “Frank” Verines opened one of the first sour dough bakeries in San Francisco, Universal Bakery, 1687 McKinnon Street, between Third (formerly Railroad Avenue) and Newhall Streets.
Antoinette attended St. Jeanne d’ Arc Grammar School, Notre Dame de Victoire High School, Munson Business College, and following graduation, worked at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. In 1937, as an attendant in her cousin’s wedding, Antoinette met one of the groomsmen, Harold DeLauff. Love at first sight led to a brief courtship and on September 9, 1938, they were married in an intimate ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill.
During her youth, Antoinette played basketball for the French Athletic Association and served as President of the Girls Athletic Club. As wife, mother and extraordinary homemaker, her numerous community leadership accomplishments and activities included President of the Lawton Playground Mother’s Club and membership in Native Daughter’s of the Golden West.
Antoinette’s return to the workforce resulted in 18 years in finance at Bank of America. Retirement led her back to the volunteer sector serving as Treasurer of the gift shops at both Marin General Hospital and Santa Rosa Hospital, while finding time as a member of Oakmont Nine Holer Golf Club.
Pre-deceased by her husband, Harold DeLauff (d.2007) and both sons, Robert “Bob” DeLauff (d. 2011) and Donald DeLauff (d. 2022), Antoinette is survived by her loving family, daughter Dianne Easton of San Rafael, granddaughter Cindee Crawley (Phil Crawley) of Petaluma. grandson Robert “Bob” Easton of West Virginia and great grandsons, Aidan Crawley, and Ryan Crawley, both of Petaluma.
Some of Dianne’s fondest memories are the annual family summer vacations to National Parks, Lake Tahoe, and her mom and dad boating and water skiing at Lake Berryessa. Cherished momentos include her parent’s letters and photos to home from destinations afar, several cruises and trips to the Hawaiian Islands.
For almost 2 decades, Antoinette resided at Springfield Place Leisure Care in Petaluma, surrounded by the staff and residents, who soon became her extended family. She quickly embraced her new home participating and enjoying many of the activities, including theater and performance outings locally, in San Francisco and Santa Rosa, as well as lectures, creative arts, indoor bocce ball, bridge, bingo, crossword puzzles, and more. She especially enjoyed her trips to Michaels where she selected an array of beads and other accessories for the hundreds of necklaces she created and, with great pride, gave to shelters, friends, family and staff at Springfield. At 104 Antoinette continued to attract new friends and in her final days, those who met her were charmed by her intellect, strength and sharp wit.
Not without physical challenges never lost her spirit.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff and residents at Springfield Place, Antoinette’s long-time Washington Primary Care medical team, Marin Health Otolaryngology team, Petaluma Post-Acute Rehab team, Acclaim HomeCare, Inc., in particular Theresa and Carlotta, and Providence Hospice of Sonoma County who provided compassion and comfort to Antoinette and guidance to the family.
Donations in memory of Antoinette “Toni” F. DeLauff Children’s Home Society of California
Providence Hospice of Sonoma County