Toni Sand

Antoinette ‘Toni’ Sand (nee Amatuzio), was born on December 18, 1921 in Duluth, MN, the daughter of Italian immigrants. Her childhood was strongly influenced by the tightknit family that surrounded her everyday life. She developed a loyalty and service to family that would extend throughout her 100 years on this earth.

Toni attended St. James Catholic school and later graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth. She worked in the hospitality industry, coordinating large events at major supper clubs in Duluth and in Florida. She was also a fashion model in New York City. At every juncture, she contributed financially to the needs of her family back home in Duluth. In fact, she returned to Duluth to further support the family.

She married Robert Thomas Sand on February 11, 1950 and they began a life that would grow in devotion even after ‘Rob’ died in 1998. In her final days, Toni was continuously remembering Rob in her thoughts and words. Their connection was profound.

With Rob, she had one son, Richard. Family photos show a lifetime of joy, travel and learning as the couple delighted in the life they helped to create.

Toni was known for her amazing Italian cooking and her impeccable housekeeping. She was a champion bowler, bicyclist, knitter and gardener. She worked for a time as a real estate agent and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #168. She was an active member of her community, serving as a longtime member of the White Bear Women’s Club. With her husband, she traveled the world, always returning from trips refreshed and renewed.

In their retirement years, Toni and Rob were blessed with four grandchildren, Richard, William, Robert and Antonia. They were, quite simply, Toni’s world. For them she cooked her famous Italian spaghetti, cheered at all their activities and events, and offered a listening ear for countless hours.

In 2017, William married Lauren and Richard married Rachel. From these unions, Toni became great-grandmother to Margaret Ann, Gabriella Laura, Cecilia Marie, William Anthony Jr. and Charlotte Mary. As the great-grandchildren bounced on great-grandma’s bed and bounded through her house, her love increased. They were always greeted with a warm smile and loving words, even when physical struggles sapped her strength.

In Toni’s final hours, all her grandchildren, along with spouses and great-grandchildren, held vigil at her side.

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Toni was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Albert & Margaret Amatuzio and siblings Donald, Marie “Dolly”, Albert “Babe” and Richard. She is also preceded in death by Captain Daniel Erickson, whom Margaret married 16 years after the death of Albert in 1940. She is survived by her son Richard and daughter-in-law Mary, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Elizabeth Amatuzio.

Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice.