Antoinette Marie Lopreste

Age 80, lost her nine month battle for life on February 11, 2007 in Cleveland, OH at the Cleveland Clinic.She was born in Elmira, NY on May 12, 1926 to Anthony & Josephine (Carozza) Bonsignore.She attended St. Marys School and graduated from the Elmira Free Academy in 1944.Toni was employed by Westinghouse Electric Corp. as a quality control test checker, retiring in 1986 after 34 years of service.She was a charter member of IBEW Local #1833 where she served on the negotiating committee as recording secretary.Although Toni never had an unkind word to say about anyone, she was a strong fighter for her fellow workers.While negotiating a new labor contract, Toni fought and won an improved maternity clause for women employees when they returned from maternity leave.After she retired from Westinghouse, she served on the Board of Elections as an election inspector, which she enjoyed because she loved people.Toni is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Dominic A. Lopreste; brother, Michael J. Bonsignore and his wife, Ann; sister, Mrs. Theresa Knapp; and she is predeceased by her sister, Mary Panetta.Although she has no children of her own, she has many Godchildren, nieces, nephews and many cousins; and they were all her favorites.One nephew stands out as her favorite, Anthony Panetta, Jr., because from the day he was born, she helped raise him.Toni was a people person and is sure to be missed by all who knew her.She touched a lot of lives.Memorial services will be held at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 11:30 am with Father Richard Farrell celebrating.Memorial donations may be made to St. Marys Church, Dominican Monastery or Mt. Savior Monastery.A Candle of Remembrance may be left for the family in Obituaries at www.olthof.com.