Arline Rose Tonino

Arline Rose Tonino, 92, the devoted wife of Richard Tonino, mother, and grandmother, entered into rest on Thursday, March 22, 2012 in Burlington Vermont. Arline lived in West Hartford her entire adult life and was very dedicated and involved in the Catholic Church, community and civic affairs. Born in, Hartford, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Rose Colturi. She attended Saint Joseph's College majoring in Chemistry and although her studies were interrupted by World War II she maintained an active interest in Saint Joseph College. Arline worked at the Fuller Brush Company until her happy marriage in 1949. Arline's life took a major turn in 1952 when Doctors discovered lymphoma cancer and told her husband Richard that it was terminal. She simply stated it was not her time and that God had other plans for her in this life. Her strong faith carried her though this crisis and the rest of her life providing her with fortitude and courage. For the rest of her life she made every minute count and spent it giving charity and love to others. Arline provided loving care for her family, taught religious instruction, worked with the House of Good Shepherd, cared for countless small children and was always willing to listen and help others. She possessed a special love for children, she always lit up and glowed when she saw a child and they always responded to her loving affection. Even in the very last days of her life she always became very happy and radiant around small children. After raising her sons and sending them off to college, Arline became even more active in her church and community. She was very active in the local Republican party and for many years worked part time as the deputy registrar of voters in West Hartford registering hundreds of young people. Her personality and warm character was such that her Democratic associates in West Hartford were always delighted when she came in and worked the four or five months before an election. She also spent many years working part time for the Kidney Foundation and was a very early organ donor. She also donated time to numerous other charities. She even found time to travel with her husband to Europe. Arline was very conscious that she had been given such an extraordinary gift "life itself" and she wanted to return this gift. Her real passion was returning life to others and working with children. She was a life-long parishioner at St. Peter Claver Church and taught CCD classes for over twenty five years preparing hundreds of children for first communion, many of whom stayed in contact with her for years. She dedicated years of work to young mothers and small children at the House of Good Shepherd. She held every position from secretary to president with the House of Good Shepherd and many times led the Red Stocking fund raising drive for the House. What she most liked was working with the girls and their children. Arline was fascinated by the world around her, intellectually curious and constantly reading her interests ranged from religion, anthropology, classical literature to children's books. She imparted this enthusiasm for knowledge to those around her. Arline rapidly endeared herself to everyone with her charming humor and friendly smile. In all situations she was optimistic, seeing the humor, never despairing, and always seeing the best in those around her. She treated all those around her with respect and dignity, always showing the greatest kind-heartedness to all people – which people reflected back upon her. Arline enriched everyone who met her. Arline led a great life! Arline's loving husband Richard predeceased her, she is survived by her two sons; Richard Tonino MD of Burlington, VT; Robert Tonino and his wife Anna Tonino, of West Hartford; two grandchildren, Molly and Leath; her sisters Phyllis Rubera and Patricia Kenney and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her sister Evelyn Cooke. Funeral services will be Monday at 9:15 a.m. from the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford with the celebration of her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter Claver Church, West Hartford. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations in her memory may be made to The Guild of St. Agnes Home, 104 Mayflower St. West Hartford CT, 06110 . Arline's family wishes to express a special thanks to Ruth DeFreesh for all her care and kindness. Online messages of remembrance may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com