Toni Adams

Toni Anne Adams, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 17, 2025 at her home in Lansing. 

Toni was born November 28, 1956 to Francis Martin “Junebug” Burke and Roseline Rachel “Rosebud” Burke (Paishon) in Ithaca, New York. As the daughter of an active sailor, Toni spent the first years of her childhood on the United States Naval Base in Guam with her parents and sisters before settling in Lansing.

Toni began a 38-year-career at Cargill Salt Mine as a receptionist and worked her way up to Human Resources Director prior to her retirement in 2017. Soon after, she began volunteering at the Lansing Food Pantry before taking over operations as Director, overseeing tremendous organizational growth until the time of her death. 

Always a caretaker, Toni found joy in the company of her family, friends, dogs, and colleagues, all of whom she was fiercely protective of. She was a dedicated and principled mother who loved indiscriminately and always put the needs of others before her own. She approached her work within Tompkins County and the Lansing community with the same sentiment. 

Toni is survived by her sons Michael and Mathew, daughters-in-law Desirae Luerra and Brittany Adams, sister Patti Burke, nephew Cory Baker and wife Lauren Baker (Petry), nieces Kendall and Brooke Baker, uncle Carl “Pooch” Burke, aunt Dottie Burke, aunt Verla Gabriel Burke, and multiple cousins.

Toni is predeceased by her parents, Frank and Rose, sister Lani, brother William “Butchie” Burke, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Calling hours will be held at Lansing Funeral Home on Friday, February 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a memorial service the following day, Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Lansing Food Pantry, 1767 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850, and SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.