Shrewsbury – Antoinette J. (Piscitelli) Lesperance, fondly known as Toni, 69, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Friday, March 16, 2018 at Shrewsbury Nursing Home, surrounded by many of her loving family members.
Toni was born in Natchez, Miss., a daughter of the late Anthony and Ellen (Breeland) Piscitelli. She graduated from David Hale Fanning Girls Trade School and later received her certification to be a cosmetologist and hairdresser. She was a dedicated school bus driver for the Town of Shrewsbury for many years before she retired in 2004. Toni previously worked as a hairdresser in Worcester at Jean Paul Coiffures.
She was a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and treasured aunt. She is survived by her loving husband and soulmate of 46 years, William C. Lesperance; her two daughters, Aimee Pasieka and her husband Alexander of Delray Beach, Fla. and Nadine Laino, her husband James and her two beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Mikaleena Laino of West Boylston; four sisters, Mary Ellen Papagni, Patricia Hulquist and her husband Richard of Worcester, Theresa Brunelle and her husband David of West Brookfield, and Grace Piscitelli of Worcester; two brothers, the late Anthony Piscitelli Jr. of Florida and Paul Piscitelli and his wife Wendy of Worcester; and many special nieces and nephews.
Toni’s devotion to her family defined her every fiber. She loved to cook for her family as “a way to wrap her arms around them.” She had very close lifelong friendships that she treasured deeply. She loved to garden, birdwatch, enjoyed going to the casino and loved driving her “kids” on the school bus.
A period of calling hours for Toni was held Monday, March 19 at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL of Worcester. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 20, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Peter’s Church, 929 Main St., Worcester, departing from the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery of Worcester.
