Toni Guaetta Fera, 90, passed away on January 22, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Elizabeth and Nicholas Guaetta, Toni was raised in Niagara Falls, NY, virtually her entire life on Tronolone Place (formerly 14th Street).

Toni attended St Joe's grammar school and NFHS, class of 1948. She was married to the love of her life, Bob Fera, for 71 years and together they raised five children. Most central to Toni's life was her family. Her dedicated and loving partnership with her husband Bob was both deep and long-lasting. The home they created was both cozy and filled with love and laughter. Their home was always an open house for her children's friends. With their five children, ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, there was always room for neighborhood kids and visitors to converse, eat her famous meatballs and delicious pizzelles and enjoy the simple things in life.

During those years raising her children, Toni was very active at her children's schools, serving as a teacher's aide and a religious education teacher. Affectionately known as Miss Toni, she left an indelible mark on hundreds of young children in the area.

Toni had lifelong friends from her neighborhood, grammar school, and high school, where she continued her involvement through the reunion committee. She was involved in many activities, clubs and committees through her church and school affiliations and volunteered at St. Mary's Nursing Home. For many years, Toni belonged to the St Joe's Mothers Club, the prayer group and prayer chain and was a member of Madonna del Soccorso. These roles and the friends she made have been enduring and central to her life. In 1988 and 1991, Toni humbly accepted the St. Joseph's Mother of the Year Award and Christian Educator of the Year. Near and dear to Toni's heart was her role as co-chair of the Respect Life Committee. Toni was also a Eucharistic Minister.

Among her hobbies were reading, writing, collecting antiques and vintage books. For many years, Toni was a speed walker around Goat Island and a 'jitterbug'. Toni was a huge NY Yankees fan. In 1985 she and Bob fulfilled her dream of visiting Jerusalem. They also traveled to Italy and Portugal.

Toni was a deeply faithful person and mother to many. Her concern for others, empathy and support she freely offered was evidenced immediately and over the course of her life as she nurtured countless caring relationships. Her heart was large and her arms wide open for a hug anytime. Once you met Toni, you knew you were seen, valued and cared for. This held true for close family, friends, neighbors and strangers she would meet anywhere she would go.

Above all, Toni was a wonderful mother and shining light to her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, visiting as often as they possibly could from across the country. The magical "Mere" enthralled them with songs, games, and stories, which were supplemented by calls and cards when they returned home.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by five children, Mark (Anne), Rob (Mindy), Joy (Rick, deceased), William (Ann Marie), and Ann Elizabeth (Steve). She is also survived by loving grandchildren and great grandchildren: Dustin and Sarabeth Fera; Erin Fera-Stein (Andy; children Antonia and Miles); David Fera (Kelly; children Rosemary and Bobby); Ricky Knack (Kristin; children Charley and Ben), Heather Knack (children Tyler, Brenna, Ethan, Aidan, Noah); Josh Knack; Stephanie Fera; Seth Fera Schanes; Sasha Fera Schanes (Paul, child Ansel)

Toni is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, which were an important part of her life.  Toni is predeceased by her much-loved brother Joseph Guaetta (Joyce), brothers-in-law and sisters in law Anthony Fera (Elvira), Ernest Fera (Josephine).

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 28 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.  Toni's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph's Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Everyone please assemble at church.  Please respect the family's wishes to wear a mask at the funeral home and church.  Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at oblates.org or 410-398-3057.  Visit mjcoluccifuneral.com for online condolences.