Antoinette Elizabeth "Toni Friedl" Willis

Antoinette "Toni" Elizabeth Willis, a beloved homemaker and cherished family matriarch, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 18th, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on Tuesday, March 5th, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, Antoinette was a lifelong Maryland resident, growing up in Catonsville and living the previous 60 years in Glen Burnie. Toni will be remembered fondly for her unwavering dedication to her family and her gentle, giving nature. She embraced the joys and challenges of homemaking, finding fulfillment in nurturing her children and creating a warm, welcoming home. Toni was a woman of quiet strength who never asked much of anyone but was always ready with a helping hand or a kind word. In her younger years, Toni enjoyed weekly bowling, which brought her much joy and camaraderie. Her love for the simple pleasures in life extended to gardening, where she found solace and beauty among her blooms. She cherished periodic lunches with her neighbors, which symbolized the importance she placed on community and friendship. A talented cook, she participated in bake sales for many years, as well as joyfully preparing holiday meals for her loved ones. Toni also planned family vacations in Ocean City, Maryland, making memories that lasted a lifetime. Toni's legacy lives on through her beloved children: Deborah Ann Balles (Phil), Cynthia Lee McGrail (Mark), and Daniel Lee Willis, who continue to carry forward the values and love she instilled in them. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Ryan McGrail (Stevie), Christopher Balles (Jenn Ariza), Claire McGrail, Michael Balles (Emily), and Sarah Balles, as well as three great-grandchildren: Gavin McGrail, Lucas Ariza, and Lyla Balles, each of whom brought immense joy to her later years. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Martin John Friedl and Elizabeth Friedl, her devoted husband, Leonard Willis, and her brothers, Theodore Friedl and Martin Friedl. Her family takes comfort in knowing they are reunited once more. Toni's life, marked by devotion, love, and a quiet grace, will be celebrated Friday, August 22nd with a visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Stallings Funeral Home, 3111 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 with a memorial service starting at 2:00 pm. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew her and will linger in the hearts of those she touched throughout her remarkable life.