Antoinette “Toni” Monroe

She was born July 12, 1922 in Cadogan, PA, the daughter of the late Valentine and Carmela (Guarnati) Testa. Toni was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1940. After graduation she went to Washington D.C. and worked as a private secretary for a general at the Pentagon. In 1946, after the war she returned home and began her career with the Monroe Insurance and Realty Corp. There she met D. Purdy Monroe and they married in 1958. Together they ran the agency.

Toni and Purdy resided in Van Buren Bay. She enjoyed golf, bowling, gardening, and a good game of pinochle and solitaire. An avid Buffalo Bills and Yankees fan, Toni enjoyed hosting her annual July 4th picnics for family and friends. Friends and family would enjoy eating, watching the bonfires and fireworks. Later in the evening they all enjoyed playing cards and singing old songs. Toni also enjoyed traveling with Purdy throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

In 1969 Toni suffered a brain aneurysm and remarkably survived and was written about in medical journals. After convalescing and rehab Toni retired but went on to have a full life enjoying family, gardening, and walks on the beach collecting sea glass. She also still enjoyed traveling with her sister. Eventually Toni and Purdy sold their home and moved back to Dunkirk.

Survivors include her niece, Mary Davis; nephews Tom Stepp, Frank Testa, and Peter Testa; her caregiver, Paul Testa. Also six great nieces and nephews and many cousins. She will be sadly missed.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, D. Purdy Monroe; her sister, Lucy Stepp; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Grace Testa; and her nephew, Michael Testa.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10 o’clock in the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. The Rev. Daniel P. Walsh will officiate. Calling hours will be held today from 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.