Antonia "Toni" Paz

1941 - 2024

Antonia "Toni" Paz

May 25, 1941 - June 3, 2024

GREENFIELD - Antonia "Toni" Paz, 83 years of age, passed peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Greenfield, CA.

Toni Paz was born May 25, 1941, in Texas, to the late Antonia and Juan Paz. She was the third youngest of thirteen children. Of her immediate family, she is survived by her sister, Janie Paz. Former husband, Francisco "Frank" Javier Saldivar, and her youngest child, Antolin "Tolin" Saldivar, precede Toni Paz in death.

Toni married Frank Saldivar in 1955. Toni was a loving mother to seven children; Maria, Hylaria, Toni, Frances, Frank, Patty and the late Tolin. Toni originated from a migrant family who arrived in the Napa Valley in 1954. After marrying Frank, who was employed in the wine industry, the pair started their family while living on vineyard properties, first in Calistoga, then Spring Mountain, and finally St. Helena. Together they raised their seven children born between 1957 and 1979 and had strong ties to the Napa Valley.

Toni worked as a housekeeper and caregiver for over forty years, one of her notable employers being the Neyers family, for whom she also provided care of three children for 20 years. Toni retired in 2012, and moved to Greenfield, CA, to live with her eldest daughter, Maria, and son-in-law Agapito.

Toni was a magnanimous force making everyone who knew her feel like family. She will be most remembered as the epicenter of countless gatherings. Her laughter, her cooking, love of music, and spirit of family lives on through all those she touched during her life.

Toni Paz is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will be missing her presence and honoring her memory at every chance.

A service will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at The St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, followed by interment of ashes at The St.Helena Catholic Cemetery, and reception at Market Restaurant in St.Helena.