1918 – 2014

FARMINGTON — Antoinette “Tonie” Peary, 3 days shy of her 96th birthday, passed into her eternal rest Friday, Feb. 7, at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, surrounded by her family and friends following a brief illness.

She was born in the family home in Chisholm, Feb. 10, 1918, a daughter of Ubaldo and Florida (Simoneau) Hamel and received her education in local schools. On June 18, 1944, she married Ralph Peary. She was a dedicated and devoted wife, mother, mentor and friend. She was proud of being an Army wife and supported her loving husband by polishing brass buttons, ironing uniforms and shinning his shoes while they were stationed in various posts around the world, including France on two occasions. They moved to Livermore Falls in 1966. Ralph passed away on Feb. 3, 1992.

Tonie worked in the kitchen at Pomeroy Hill nursing home and was a life-long communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay, where she served as a Eucharistic minister until ill health prevented her from continuing to do so. Her faith was a very real and tangible way of life. She lived her faith and led by example. Tonie was a remarkable woman who lived a full and extraordinary life. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting in her free time.

She is survived by her two sons, Kirk Peary and his wife, Tamara, of Chatham, Ill., and Bruce Peary of Livermore Falls; five grandsons, Eric, Brian, Mark, Alexander and Christopher; one granddaughter, Kayleigh; and many nieces and nephews. She was particularly devoted to “Me mere’s Kids,” Kurt Libby, Adam Wiles-Rosell, Kevin Libby, Lisa Smith and Ashley Libby.

She was predeceased by sisters, Violette Ouellette and Marie Gagnon; and brothers, Leo and Armand Hamel.

Condolences, tributes and a memorial video may be shared on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.