Alta "Toni" M. Giansanti - Bryan

Munising / Escanaba / Superior, WI

Alta M. Giansanti-Bryan “Toni”, age 94 of Munising and formerly of Escanaba, Michigan and Superior, Wisconsin, died Monday, July 24, 2017 at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising, Michigan.  She was born on September 18, 1922 in Norway, Michigan to the late Charles and Lorraine (Shelson) Grodesky.  As a youngster, Toni attended Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids, and then attended and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1939. Being the active person she was, Toni was a two time U.P. State Jitterbug Dance Queen in the late 1930’s. While in school she was the drum major in the high school band, and then was the drum major in the 1941 Orange Bowl Parade with the Miami City Band in Miami, Florida.  On September 4, 1942 Toni married Dominic Giansanti.  She then joined the United States Coast Guard Reserve, while Dominic served in the European Theater of WWII.  They spent twelve years living in Escanaba before moving to Superior to start a new business venture.  While in Superior, Toni was a fulltime homemaker, but also worked side-by-side with Dominic in growing their businesses: Sammy’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, the Elbo Room Bar, and Dominic’s Liquors.  Toni loved being on Lake Superior, walking the beaches searching for agates or swimming in the cool water.  She also enjoyed hunting and fly fishing on the Indian River where the family had a cabin named “Camp Hare-Ka-Poo”.  In 2001, Toni moved to Munising and lived at the Jericho House until 2016.  While living in Munising, she enjoyed escaping the U.P. winters, and spending time in the warmth of Arizona with her son. Toni was a one-of-kind, fun loving, feisty lady, who told the best stories.  Her family and friends will have beautiful memories of their times together.

Toni is survived by her two sons – John (Gloria) Giansanti of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Jeffry Giansanti of Superior; grandchildren – Cherise (Rick) Hinman, Maria Zambito, Ilaria (Jason) Borden, Jeffry “J.P.” Giansanti, Jr., and Antoinette (Chris) Stookey; great-grandchildren – Brooks, Maggie, Cashton, Greyson, Arianna, Ilysa, Sam, Israela, Landon, and Aaron; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents - Charles and Lorraine; son – Dominic A. Giansanti, Jr.; husband Dominic Giansanti, Sr.; and brother – John R. Grodesky.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Interment will be at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Escanaba, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, Toni would have appreciated it if you would give a memorial in her name to Sacred Heart Church, P.O. Box 99, Munising, MI 49862 .