Dominica "Minnie" Tonissen

It is with great sorrow, that we announce the passing of our Mother Minnie Tonissen. Minnie passed peacefully early morning, on June 15, 2023 with family by her side. Born to parents Vincenzo and Concetta DeVito, on January 13, 1921, Minnie was the oldest of Five and was predeceased by brothers Mikey (wife Dorothy), Vito, Tony (wife Abbey) and Carmie. Minnie married Glenn Tonissen on July 21, 1945, at St. Calistas Church, in Chicago. They had five children Steven (Debbie nee Handley) Tonissen, MaryAnn (David) Wayer, Patricia Tonissen, Kathryn (Joseph) Pecora and the Late Vince (Marilyn nee Monaco (Eddie) Marques) Tonissen. Cherished Grandmother of Eric (Cindy) Tonissen, Vinny (Laura) Vassalla, Kirk (Karen)Tonissen, Jerry (Melinda)Vassalla, late Danny Tonissen, Joey (Julie) Vassalla, Katie (Kevin)Gray, Christina Tonissen, Kevin Fitzpatrick (Ciarán Traynor), Emily Leavy. Great Grandmother of nineteen whom she loved dearly. Minnie was a women a faith and service, to the community of St. Rene. She volunteered her time, in the office at the school, before beginning a working career out of the home. Even then she ironed the Priests vestments and altar cloths, while my father rolled them onto a spool, before returning them to the church. Helping to clean, decorate and take down the decorations was part of her volunteering, with the Altar & Rosary Society. Her husband Glenn, like many of the men whose wives served, were there to lend a hand. Minnie was also a founding member of St. Rene’s Mothers Club. She held the office of President, more than once, Treasurer and served on any committee that needed a hand. Her name is forever embroidered on the Mothers Club table cloth, with the many names of club members who followed her including her daughter Patricia and her Niece Helen DeVito. Fundraising grew bigger and better. Soon Showtime was born. It started with different school rooms turned into a variety of ethnic restaurants, where delicious meals were sold. Minnie had the Italian room decorated with vines and hanging grapes. My younger sister Kathryn and I would clean up the plates and the tables, when people finished eating making room for the next group. Needless to say Minnie’s homemade food was completely gone, by the end of the night. Showtime evolved into something bigger, with more entertainment and food. Minnie’s late nephew Michael DeVito and his Late wife Helen would go on to provide years of volunteering their time and talents just like their Aunt Minnie. What a role model she was, and will remain. Minnie was one of a few first female Eucharistic Ministers, at St. Rene. She was very excited and wore her pin proudly. Minnie still sent her weekly donations, to St. Rene, after leaving the Parish. However that didn’t mean she ignored St. Joseph Parish. Her pistachio Bundt cakes, were always a big hit, at the fundraiser. Even as Minnie got up in years, she found a way to lend a hand just as she had always done. She will be forever missed and never forgotten. Visitation is Monday, June 19, 2023 from 4 PM to 8 PM at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave.(55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 8:30 AM until time of Prayers at 9:30 AM . We will go in procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Rene Goupil Church for a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Minnie will be laid to rest next to her loving husband Glenn (Tony) at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, in Hillside.

Dominica "Minnie" Tonissen

January 13, 1921 - June 15, 2023