Ernestine "Toni" Reynolds

REYNOLDS, Ernestine "Toni", Heaven is rejoicing at the arrival of Ernestine "Toni" Mason Reynolds. Toni, 97, bid a peaceful bon voyage to this world on October 9. She was a woman who touched so many lives in so many places. Born Ernestine Calfapietra on January 4, 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she graduated from high school at 16 and began working in 1928 for Richard Reynolds, founder of Reynolds Metals Company. She lived in Richmond Virginia for many years both before and after World War II. It was during this period she changed her name to Mason from Calfapietra. During World War II Toni heard that the military was in need of translators. Since Toni was fluent in Italian, French and English, she contacted The Red Cross and was signed up that very day. They shipped her to Africa the very next day. She served in both North Africa and Italy. It was during an air raid, she met her future husband, Colonel Rennie L Reynolds. She entertained troops with the USO appearing with the Oscar nominated actor Adolphe Menjou as well as other notable artists. Toni was very active as a performer in the theatre and singer of opera and light opera. After the war, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her service to her country by President Harry S. Truman. Following the war, Toni moved to Dallas in 1949 to marry the young man she had met in the air raid shelter. She continued working for Reynolds Metals in Dallas until her retirement in 1976. After retiring from Reynolds Metals, she began her next career managing the operations of a small business and directing individual personal finances. She remained active in these endeavors until she finally retired again in April 2006 at age 95. Toni was a woman of strong convictions, great patriotism and a giving heart. She donated freely to charities especially the Red Cross. There was a soft spot in her heart for veterans and children. She had a beautiful sense of humor and was known for her quick retorts and wit. She frequently corresponded with The White House to express her thoughts and opinions. She is survived by a niece, Betty Calfapietra of Glendale, New York; a nephew, Vincent Calfapietra of Manchester, New Jersey; and a sister-in-law Anna Calfapietra also of New Jersey. She also has a stepson, Robert Reynolds of Portland, Oregon. Her friends who love her dearly are legion and span the globe. Visitation will be Sunday, October 12 at the Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home from 12 to 2 p.m. Funeral services will be on Monday, October 13 at Noon at Sparkman/Hillcrest Northwest Hwy. Chapel, Rev. John Libone, officiating. She will be interred at Hillcrest Memorial Park as well.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.