Antoinette "Toni" C. (Leo) Pavone, 80, of Worcester, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2009 at Knollwood Nursing Center, with her loving family at her side.

    She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of sixty-one years, Antonio J. Pavone; a daughter, Catherine M. Salo and her husband David of Princeton; three sons, Michael F. Pavone and his wife Sharon of West Boylston, Raymond F. Pavone of Hubbardston, and Paul F. Pavone and his wife Audra of Sutton; a brother, Amadeo Leo of West Boylston; six grandchildren, Gia, Michael, Douglas, Mark, Michael Jr., and Alisha; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Cosma Franchi. Toni was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Cosmo and Catherine (Pisaro) Leo, and has lived here all her life.

    Toni worked for the Worcester School Department for many years, before retiring in 1984 as the Cafeteria Manager for Belmont Community School. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She enjoyed vacationing in Maine, playing cards, gardening, and bowling at Town and Country Lanes. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who found her greatest joy spending time with her adoring grandchildren.

    The Pavone family would like to thank all the people at Knollwood Nursing Center, whom they consider part of the extended family, for the tremendous love and care they showed Toni over the past years. A thank you also to the wonderful people at Evercare Hospice.

    Calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 22, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

    The funeral will be held Wednesday, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

    In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Employee Fund at Knollwood Nursing Center, 87 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606.