Matilda "Tillie" Antos

1926 - 2025

Antos, Matilda "Tillie"

(nee Lefko)

Jul 24, 1926 - Apr 4, 2025

She was predeceased by her husband, Joe, her parents, Pearl and Paul Lefko, and siblings: Joe, Pete, Max, John, Mary, and Paul. Born in DuBois, PA, Tillie was raised in Helvetia, PA before the family moved to Buffalo where she spent her teenage and early adult years. On October 1, 1949, a beautiful fall day, she and Joe began what would be a 72-year marriage. Autumn was Tillie's favorite season-the blue sky, brightly colored leaves, and the chilly, crisp air. She never seemed to tire of long walks in the woods, the fresh scent of sheets just taken off the clothesline, or the smell of an apple pie in the oven. Being a stay-at-home mom, for many years her main focus was raising three children: Kathleen (Peter), Elaine (Bill), and Joe, Jr. (Sarah). As years passed, she was blessed with grandchildren: Brittany, Nick, and Derek (Jamie). When not busy cooking or cleaning, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, counted cross stitch, and many other types of crafts. She was a long-time member of the Boston Home Bureau where she and other women spent time together on all types of handicrafts. To call Tillie an "avid gardener" would be an understatement. She LOVED to be outside digging in the dirt, and her extensive garden was a work of art. Perennials, bulbs, annuals….you name it-she had it, and she loved to share. So many plants in the gardens of friends and family members originated in Tillie's garden. She also grew a small separate patch of vegetables: tomato, pepper, and cucumber plants. After the kids were grown and Joe retired, she and Joe really began to enjoy themselves. They attended square dances and polka dances as well as occasional card games with other couples. In the spring and fall, time was spent camping and fishing in the Thousand Islands before taking the camper to Florida for a month or so each winter. Once the camper was sold, the pace of life slowed a bit, but Tillie still spent time in the garden, or sitting on the porch watching the birds at the many birdfeeders. Quiet time indoors might be spent reading, working on jigsaw puzzles, or doing crossword puzzles. Her vocabulary was amazing! Though not without its ups and downs, Tillie lived a full, wonderful life of 98 years. She was sweet and kind and never complained. Those who knew her could not help but love her. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends on Saturday, April 12th from 12-2 PM at the (Hamburg Chapel) JOHN J. KACZOR FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5453 Southwestern Blvd. where a Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be in Tillie's name to Hospice Buffalo or to the American Diabetes Association. Please share condolences at www.kaczorfunerals.com.