Antonia A. Burnham, beloved mother and grandmother, dies of cancer at age 55 on October 10, 2007 at 9:55 A.M. Antonia, commonly known as “Toni”, was born November 14, 1951. Although presented with many challenges throughout her young life, it’s no secret that she had graced the earth and everyone in her presence. Her selfless generosity and compassion to help others lead her to a career in the Santa Clara County Social Services Dept. where she worked as an eligibility worker for 30 years. Her efforts made certain that clients were justly compensated with the Social Security and Workman’s Compensation benefits they were entitled to, along with organizing fund raisers to assist families with emergency needs such as food, gas, and transportation. Her endless smiles and laughter were just the icing on the cake, as she brought joy into the lives of everyone she knew. Toni was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989, but her will to survive and fight proved her strength when she beat the odds and lived on for another 18 years. The merciless disease however, struck back in 2005, this time in her ovaries, eventually taking her from this world and all who loved and adored her. Toni is survived by her daughters; Christina and Gina, sons; Daniel and John,
mother Patricia Lopez, granddaughters Serena and Cynthia, grandson Rene Jr., daughter-in-law Liza, Michelle, son-in-law Rene Sr., sister Molly and brother-in-law Lorenzo Gonzales, sisters; Terri Moya, Mona Castillo and Reyna Castillo, brother Ray Castillo Jr., and sister-in-law Rachel Aguilera, and many nieces and nephews. There will be a viewing for Toni at Habing Funeral Home on Monday Oct. 15th from 2 P.M. – 5 P.M. followed by a Rosary Service at St. Mary’s Church at 7 P.M. Funeral Mass will begin at 10 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday Oct. 16th.
