Antonia "Toni" Cowell

Munising

 Antonia “Toni” Cowell, age 89, of Munising, died on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at Medilodge of Munising. She was born on May 11, 1935 to Sylvester and Jeanette (Pawielski) Carlson. Toni graduated from Sacred Heart School and then Wm. G. Mather High School in 1952. She married Donald L. Lassila in October of 1955 and together they raised their three children. They spent a lot of time in the woods brook trout fishing, berry picking, snowshoeing, and spending every Sunday with family on Sixteen Mile Lake. Don preceded her in death in September of 1978. Toni worked for many years at Kimberly Clark in the Finishing Room and then Montgomery Wards and then Ben Franklin. She then went to work at Peoples State Bank, starting out as a teller and progressing to bookkeeper and retired in the early 2000’s. In 1981, she went on her first date with Bob Cowell to an NMU/MTU hockey game. They were married in 1988. Toni and Bob enjoyed taking bus tours, bowling, and golfing together. Bob taught her how to play Bridge and Toni learned well, travelling to tournaments together. Bob preceded her in death in 2006. Toni loved parties, particularly with her family. She entertained like no other with food galore and “complex” Jello shots with a squirt of “kkkk” (Reddi-wip) on top. Toni loved to decorate for every holiday. The outside of her home was a spectacle for all to enjoy. The inside was even more spectacular for those who entered!

 Toni played shuffleboard, loved board games and cards, playing BINGO at the Moose with friends, and she was always a member of the Smear League. She wasn’t a great loser, especially with granddaughter Jamie, calling her a “brat” after each lost hand at Gin. Toni was a devoted Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines fan, as well as the Detroit Tigers. She always watched the Michigan games at the Barge Inn. Rob, in later years, having a “saved seat” for her with a complimentary Bloody Mary and/or Miller Genuine draft beer. Toni loved her camps, the woods, and picking berries and flowers. She enjoyed the back road rides. Toni hunted partridge with Don, Bob, and her daughter and always had a great eye spotting them when road hunting. She loved canoeing down the Indian River with her family with many miles paddled over the years.

 Toni was a strong devoted Catholic, so faithful. Her morning prayers in time filled a big box which she hauled back and forth to camp. If you were Toni’s family, friend, friend of a friend, or maybe none of these, you were prayed for. Mom was a loving, caring, compassionate and generous lady. Her added strength and stoicism shined these past several months. Toni loved anyone part of her life. She loved her children and their families unconditionally. And all those she loved, loved her too!

 “Our mother taught us so many things in life, except how to get through life without her.”

 Toni is survived by her children – Robin (John) Tiernan of Munising, Tim (Rhonda) Lassila of Wetmore, and Renae (Clarence Grant) Nelson of Munising; grandchildren – Chad (Alyssa), Brad (Tara) A.J. (Ann) Tiernan, T.J. (Amy) Lassila, Shannon (Derek) Bonevelle, Trevor Lassila, Jesse (Sara) Lassila, and Jamie (Jonathan) Fargo; great-grandchildren – Max, Quinn, Jack, Riley, Savannah, Jersey, Gianna, Jalen, Oliver, and Theo; sister-in-law – JoAnn Carlson; and six step-children and their cherished families; nephews and niece - Rick, Bill, and Georgia and their families; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents – Jen and Ves Carlson; husbands – Don Lassila and Bob Cowell; brother – Richard Carlson, Sr., baby sister – Marie Carlson; stepson Johnny Cowell; grandson – Travis Olson; step-granddaughter – Emily Lakosky; and great-grandson – Baby Anthony Jr.

 Visitation will be on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. with a Parish Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Toni’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Sacred Heart Church at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers memorials in Toni’s name may be made to Sacred Heart Church. 

Family would like to thank all who helped in Toni’s medical care over these past few months to do all you could to care for her and keep her comfortable. And a special thank you to Toni’s Parish family for all of the visits and prayers.