Antoinette "Toni" Blake
October 13, 1939 – October 16, 2024

Antoinette Blake passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2024, three days past her 85th birthday and 21 years to the day of her mother's passing. Born in Bracigliano, Italy, on Oct. 13, 1939, Antoinette immigrated to the United States in 1953 and made Massachusetts her home, living in Springfield, East Longmeadow, Agawam and Westfield throughout her life. A homemaker for much of her life, she spent her working career at Milton Bradley, starting with 'mother's hours' and working until retiring in 2003.

Antoinette met Robert Blake, marrying in 1959 and together raising a family of five that grew, adding husbands, wives, grandchildren and finally two great-grandchildren. She loved her family and adored her 12 grandchildren, all of whom she kept well fed and happy. Her meatballs were unmatched, and her Noni Cakes just kept on coming. Toni loved tending to her healthy summer garden, playing cards with anyone (especially 500 Rummy), taking casino trips to visit her favorite slot machines, and beating any-and-all comers in backyard bocce. Toni's love for life, family, and friends was a true joy and a blessing, and she will be dearly missed.

Antoinette is survived by her children, Robert (Karen) Blake Sr., Nancy (Scott) Rines, John (Connie) Blake, and Bill (Janet) Blake; her brothers, Rosario (Anna) Giordano and Amedeo (Dee) Giordano; her grandchildren, Andy, Brittany (Dan), Daniel (Mary Kate), Emily (Josh), Samuel (Maddy), Colin, Jack, Erin, Jenna, Hannah, Nathan, and Gabriel; and her great-grandchildren, Parker and Roslyn. Antoinette was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Blake; her parents, Giovanni Giordano and Annunziata Ferrentino; and her daughter Maryann (Keith) Watson. Antoinette's large extended family and many friends will remember her fondly.

Calling hours will be held on her wedding anniversary, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Agawam Funeral Home, 184 Main St., Agawam, Mass. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Family and friends will then travel to the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery for a committal service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Baystate Children's Hospital.