Antoinette (Toni) Marlene Wickhart

Antoinette (Toni) Marlene Viviano was born on October 6, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, to father Gaetano (Tom) Viviano, a Silcilian immigrant and mother, Ann Posh, who came from a Hungarian background.

Antoinette's baby picture was featured on the well-known macaroni brand Pastina from her parents' famous Viviano Spaghetti Factory in Chicago. With both parents frequently busy at work, Toni was often her younger sister Kiki's primary caregiver.

Toni met her future husband, David Lee Wickhart, at a social event intended for young ladies to meet the visiting service men from the Korean War. After dating for about a year, Toni and Dave were wed on November 27, 1954. Two years later, while Dave was seeking employment in California's aerospace division, their daughter, Corene was born in June. Dave sent for his new family to join him in California. Soon after Dave was honored to be the head of instructing engineers and the launch of the infamous "Snark Missile" project starting in Texas and then in Florida which he took his family with him.

In 1961, the family would return to California, and both Toni and Dave were working in the aerospace division for Autonetics, a  North American Aviation Corporation. Toni would later decide to prioritize her daughter as a stay-at-home mother. They moved to Lakewood, California, where they settle for the remainder of their lives.

Toni would pursue a variety of career fields, including being one of the top sales associates for Ovation Cosmetics. She would later be hired as a makeup teacher for Pat Quinlan Modeling Agency in Lakewood. Toni has also applied makeup on children for commercials with Jimmy Lloyd Productions, though the commute to Hollywood became too strenuous to continue the position.

Toni then worked at an unemployment agency as a clerk and would later learn to paint with oils. She worked at an art shop in Cerritos, until Toni and Dave decided to open their own art shop in Lakewood called Lakewood Frames and Art Supplies. They sold ready-made frames and Dave would take on custom frame jobs in their own garage. There were painting classes in the back room and their daughter, Corene, would work in the store as well. Their little shop grew into a family business that they loved. After 12 years in 1989, they decided to sell the shop, after Toni was diagnosed with a stress disorder. They did, however, remain involved in the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, not only as members but Toni was also an ambassador.

After the shop closed, Toni was hired as a Sales Associate for the Lakewood Community News, where she would market advertising space in the paper for contracted companies. Toni was known for her positive rapport with her clients, as well as her stylish wardrobe. Toni would be asked to serve on the judges panel for several Miss Lakewood Beauty Pageants, and honor she held in high regard.

Shortly thereafter, Toni's daughter would mary John Wesselman and they gave birth to Toni and Dave's first grandchild, Amy. Toni became Amy's primary babysitter while John and Corene were away at work - another highly cherished position of Toni's. A few years later they were blessed again welcoming their new grandson, Blake.

When Amy attended school, Toni worked part time for the McDonald's company under her own trademarked character, "McNana", which allowed her yet another opportunity to give bank to the Lakewood community. She would greet customers and hand out cookies to the children. Toni and Dave would return to Chicago one last time on a vacation in 2015. They also visited Dave's hometown of Burlington, Iowa.

Dave passed away on June 23, 2021. Toni would spend the remainder of her life living in the Artesia Christian Home, a religious retirement community who kept her comfortable and content. Toni passed away on October 21, 2024. She and Dave are survived by their daughter, Corene, her husband, John, and their children Amy and Blake. Toni and Dave leave behind their cherished Lakewood neighbors, colleagues and memories.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401