Antoinette Gomes

Antoinette M. (Calderella) Gomes entered the kingdom of eternal life on Jan. 10 at Berkshire Medical Center.

Toni was born in Pittsfield on June 28, 1927, to Joseph L. Calderella Sr. and Jenny (Lachina) Calderella. Toni graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1945 and furthered her education by enrolling in and graduating from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1948.

Toni was a woman of high moral fiber and even higher character. In addition to the love and attention she gave to her family, Toni’s life mission was helping others. To this end, she had a long and distinguished career as a registered nurse, retiring from the Berkshire Medical Center after 40 years of service. In addition to her professional life, Toni was engaged in several outside activities and organizations. She was an active member of Pittsfield’s ITAM (Italian American) Lodge 564, where she routinely played bocce and was involved in many other activities and events. She was a past member of the Portuguese American Club, as well as having had a longtime involvement with the Allendale School PTA, Pittsfield Figure Skating Club and Pittsfield Senior Center. She was an active member of the St. Luke’s Nursing Alumni. Toni will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her for the unconditional love and support she provided to family and friends throughout her life.

Toni was predeceased by her husband Jack in 2008, by her son Christopher in 1986, and by her granddaughter Carolyn in 2018. She is survived by and will be missed by her loving family. She leaves a son, Stephen and wife Catherine of Feeding Hills, and two daughters, Lorita Copley and husband John of Hopkinton, and Melinda Lordan and husband Joseph of Westminster. She also leaves eight grandchildren: Daniel of Weymouth; Laura and husband Sammy Hannoush of Agawam; Michaela, Shane and Kendall Copley; and Connor and Ciara Lordan. She also leaves a great grandson, Theo Hannoush of Agawam. Toni also is survived by her brother, Joseph L. Calderella Jr. and wife Geraldine, as well as a sister, Lorita Decorie and husband Clyde, all of Pittsfield. She leaves three nieces and one nephew to cherish her memory. Lastly, she leaves her faithful companion, her cat Bella.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Toni Gomes will be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Pittsfield, by Rev. Steven Montesanti, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Calling hours at Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, will be Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Please wear a mask.

Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.