Antonia "Toni" Candelas Quintero

Antonia "Toni" Candelas Quintero, a beacon of unwavering faith and spirited kindness, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in West Peabody, MA on October 17, 2024, after a valiant nine-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Toni, who was born on January 9, 1933, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, graced this world with her presence for 91 years, touching the lives of all who knew her with her warmth and generosity.

Toni grew up in the vibrant state of New York which laid the foundation for a life rich in family, faith, and education. She brought the vibrant culture of her birthplace with her as she pursued higher education, studying bookkeeping and accounting at Fordham University. Her intellect and knack for numbers led her to a successful career at R.H. Macy's Corporate Buying in Herald Square, NYC, where she worked in the accounting department for several decades, showcasing her mathematical prowess and attention to detail.

After her retirement, Toni's life was filled with the joys of her faith and family. She was a devout Catholic who found peace and solace in her religion, praying the rosary daily and embodying the values of her faith through acts of kindness. Toni's love for her family was unparalleled. Her legacy lives on through her daughter Alex DeRosa, son-in-law Russell DeRosa and grandson Andrew DeRosa of West Peabody, MA along with her many nieces, nephews, and godchildren, and dedicated aide Luz Arroyave who will cherish her memory and continue to be inspired by her life.

An avid gardener and reader, Toni enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Her passion for reading never waned, with Carol Burnett's "Our Time Together" being among her favorite books. Even as Alzheimer's challenged her, Toni remained sharp with numbers, a testament to her incredible mind. Her love for children was evident in the care and affection she showered upon the young ones in her family, a role she embraced wholeheartedly after her retirement.

Her quick wit and benevolent spirit meant that no one ever felt like a stranger in her presence, and her home was always a place of welcome, warmth, and delicious food.

A lifelong New York Yankees fan, Toni often joked that Joe DiMaggio was her boyfriend, showcasing her playful nature. Music and dance were sources of joy for Toni, with the rhythms of Hector Lavoe, the crooning of Frank Sinatra, and the melodies of Judy Garland providing the soundtrack to many happy moments.

Antonia "Toni" Quintero was preceded in death by her brothers, Hector Candelas of Caguas, Puerto Rico and Luis Candelas of the Bronx, NY, her sisters Alicia Cortes and her husband Alexander of Lakewood, NJ and Monsita Torres and her husband Jose Luis of Wallingford, CT, and Juanita Torres who is survived by her husband Julio E. Torres of the Bronx, NY. She will be lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with this remarkable woman. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of faith, and the beauty of a kind word. Toni's memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as her life was a beacon of light for so many.

Flowers can be ordered through Currans Flowers in Danvers, MA (978) 774-14460, www.curransflowers.com or donations can be made to a volunteer organization, Threshold Singers of the North Shore offering gentle bedside singing that is free-of-charge to dying patients and their loved ones. 

Mail to: Threshold Singers of the North Shore

P.O. Box 597

Swampscott, MA 01907

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