Marie Antonette Nichelini-Irwin Resident of St. Helena,CA
Marie Antonette Nichelini Irwin unexpectedly passed away on January 6, 2010. Fondly known as "Toni", she was born to William and Marie Nichelini in Oakland, California on December 13, 1937. Toni was a graduate of Oakland High school and attended City College in the Bay Area where she spent most of her career in the financial industry. Toni and Donald Irwin, her husband of 48 years, moved to Saint Helena in the 1990's, where she had spent the majority of her childhood summers at the family ranch. Toni was a third generation member of the Nichelini family, and became actively involved along with three of her cousins in the running of the Nichelini family winery. She was also the family historian. Toni enjoyed her handwork, bocce ball, home canning and loved her orchids. She was also an avid reader. She is survived by her husband Donald, daughter Linda, son in law Fred DaValle, sons Mark and Steve Irwin, daughter in law Charlotte, grandsons Scott, Greg, Chris, and Kyle, her granddaughter Kym, great grandchildren Sydney and Tyler and many nieces and nephews. A rosary was held at St. Helena Catholic Church, 1340 Tainter Street, on Sunday, January 10th at 2 p.m and a funeral mass followed on Monday, January 11th at 1 p.m. Interment was at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Memorial Donations can be made in Toni's honor to the St. Helena Historical Society, P.O Box 87, St. Helena, CA 94574, or to the Sons of Italy St. Helena Chapter, 1322 Inglewood Ave. St. Helena, CA 94574. The family is being cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel. Memories of Toni can be shared online at www.morrisonfuneralchapel.com.