Obituary of Antoinette Marie Lanza Bourne

Antoinette Marie Lanza Bourne December 9, 1932 - October 28, 2009 Our darling mom, Antoinette Marie Lanza Bourne, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2009. Mom was born in Tacoma on December 9, 1932. She attended McCarver School and was a graduate of Lincoln High Class 1950. Mom faithfully attended her McCarver and Lincoln High School reunions at every chance. In 1955, she married Dr. Marvin L. Bourne, and they made their home in Fircrest, WA. Toni received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1962 where she majored in fine arts. Although she lived most of her life in Tacoma, she enjoyed travels to Europe - with Italy being her favorite of course - and destination ski resorts. Toni enjoyed skiing with her Ski Gal friends her whole life! Her career was in graphic arts and she worked in the engineering department of the Port of Tacoma retiring from there in 1996. She will be fondly remembered by her Port co-workers for her comical "Bourne Reports". In her later years, mom was a volunteer with Memorie Singers and enjoyed performing and being in the spotlight whenever she had the chance. Mom was also a long time member of the Tacoma Sons of Italy Lodge and a member of the Tacoma Elks. Mom never hesitated to go against the crowd and let her opinion be known. Toni was fun loving and independent. She adored her family, and was so proud of each of her children and grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by all her family including her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her dear friends. Antoinette is preceded in death by her parents, Vito Lanza, Katherine (Riggio) and Lester Wells. She is survived by her brother Victor (Martha) Lanza. Daughter's Jeanette Bourne, Lauren (Bill) Knight, Sharon Bourne Rushing, son Martin (Kim) Bourne. Grandchildren; Christopher and Brenden Rushing, Elizabeth Bourne and Ben Villahermosa, Aaron, Christine and Gina Knight. We love you mom! We know you are singing with the angels now and skiing on the perfect snow in Heaven. In memorial of our mother, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Viewing will be held at Piper-Morley Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 4th from 10 am to 7 pm. Please sign the on-line guest book at www.pipermorleymellingerfh.com. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am on Thursday, November 5th at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 1403 S. Ainsworth Avenue, Tacoma. Graveside service will be at Calvary Cemetery immediately following the reception.