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Toni Boyle, longtime resident of Helena, Montana, and friend to many, passed away on October 15, 2021, with her family by her side.
Toni was born Yaeko Kusuba on February 27, 1938, in Nagasaki, Japan to parents Ichitaro and Haruko Kusuba. As an innocent child during WWII, Toni endured the harsh realities of war. It was during this time that Toni’s grit and spirit would help her endure a cataclysmic event. She spoke of constant air raid sirens and trips to the bomb shelters during her elementary school years. Her mountain school was a distance away, when she witnessed the dropping of the bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. She recalls being only seven years old when she had to find her way home from school all by herself, an astounding feat of courage that will continue to move and inspire her children and grandchildren.
It was in Japan that she met her future husband, John T. Boyle while he was stationed in the Air Force. The military would take them to many places around the world, which gave their four young children, Tom, John, Cindy and Mary, vast experiences with different cultures. It was in Baltimore, MD, when John was sent overseas to serve in Pakistan, that Toni’s strength and resilience was tested. As a young mother of four young children, and without knowing the English language, Toni was left to live with John’s large Irish family, who were virtual strangers. Throughout her life, Toni spoke of the struggles during that time, trying to understand American culture and this new boisterous family that she lived with. Her stories would end with laughter though, always laughter, as she remembered with fondness, her new American family and the clash of cultures. Her amazing ability to adapt and immerse herself, essentially alone in a foreign land, is part of her family lore and will be shared through generations of grandchildren. The moral of the story being, if Grandma endured that, I can do anything.
When John retired from the Air Force, the family eventually settled in Helena, MT. Her children, by then teenagers, Toni went to work at St.Peter’s Hospital, a job she loved because of the people she met and befriended there. It didn’t matter who they were, a patient or coworker, doctor or nurse, she loved to engage in conversation, always asking about their families and their well-being. Toni retired after working over twenty years at St. Peter’s.
Toni was well known for her authentic Japanese dishes. You might say she was famous for her amazing eggrolls, which would be the first thing to disappear at any potluck or gathering. When Toni walked in the door, she was essentially mobbed and robbed of the Tupperware dish that held the eggrolls. She was known for randomly bringing them to various businesses that she regularly visited, such as Costco, to pass along to the workers, and even whipped up a batch for a hungry group of professional steer wrestlers on break from the NFR. Toni also loved cooking for her children and their friends. Heaping plates of curry rice would be set before them in endless supply. No one left Toni’s house hungry.
Toni had a vast array of friends who she enjoyed going to lunch with and with whom she spent a great deal of time chatting with on the phone. Her compassion for those who were ill or struggling, was real. She had a genuine concern for their well-being and would not hesitate to help. She was a giver, again, part of that family lore and lessons in life.
Toni’s family was her everything. Her favorite times where when her entire family gathered together. The Marysville House and Jade Garden were two of her favorite places to share a meal. She told the funniest stories that made grandkids belly-laugh. Her laugh alone would make you laugh, it was contagious. She loved seeing her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, grateful for a ten- minute visit or a week-long stay. Long conversations on the phone and personal visits with her children were a cherished event for her as she caught up on their lives. As a mother-in-law, she was a true gem. Her knack for making you feel welcome and loved made her a second beloved mother. Toni was known for always walking you out the door when it was time to leave. Waving from her front porch, she would say, “Careful drive!” Even from her hospital bed, we heard, “Careful drive!” as we left her room. Although, she was also known to yell out, “Don’t drown!” as one of her grandchildren left for a float trip.
Toni will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. A treasured member of our community, people will remember her smile and love of life. Her lessons of love, compassion, resilience, and strength to endure, will live on and resonate through the generations.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7.
Toni is survived by her children: Tom (Debbie) Boyle, Cindy (Chuck) Duthie, Mary (Mike) Gorsage. Grandchildren: Danni (Riley) Ford, Jessi Boyle, JT Boyle, Christine Cieri, Brandon Cieri, Corey Gorsage, Katey Gorsage. Great grandchildren: Rowe, Crew and Jette Ford.
Toni was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Boyle, son John C. Boyle, and granddaughter Jennifer Boyle.
A celebration of Toni’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 20th at 2 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT. Masks are encouraged. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Anna Albertson says
Boyle Families:
With sincere condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Such good memories of all the times with Mrs. Boyle; such a beautiful person inside and out. I will miss her so much.
Love,
Anna
Scott Morrison says
Tom and Debbie, I’m so sorry to hear your mom. What a fantastic lady, always had time to stop and say hello. Time for her to join one of the funniest guys I ever work with, your dad.
Think of you both, Scott and Terri Morrison
Carol Smith says
Very sorry to hear this Tom, Deb and family. We hope that your multitude of memories will be a comfort to you now, and in the years to come. Carol and Jerry Smith.
Shelly Rusek says
I am SO VERY SORRY to hear of Toni’s passing. I worked with your Mom for MANY years at St. Pete’s Hospital. And I used to go visit her, when I lived in Helena. She was a hoot to work and visit with. I always thought of her often and wished I would have seen her before she passed. She will be missed very much.
K C CLARK says
Boyle family, I am sorry for your loss . I met your Mom through a mutual friend Jean Simpson . She was a great lady and raised good kids. I enjoyed helping her sell her home a few years ago. May God Help you in this time.
Tom Erving says
Tom, Debbie and the Boyle family,
My heart and sympathy are with you all. What a wonderful mother and person your mom was, as was your entire family. I have great memories of your mom and dad and brother John. I will keep you all in my prayers and heart.
Your old friends,
Tom and Debbie Erving
James Conlee says
Rest in peace our beautiful sister in law Toni. Love always your Baltimore family. Your sister in laws Teresa, Lizzie ,and Margaret.
donna conlee says
Aunt Toni. May you rest in Peace . I know that Uncle John and Johnny were there at heavens gate to meet you. Will always remember your smile and will hold close the memories of the good time we had last time you were in Baltimore with Mary. May Angels lead you into paradise. And May God hold you in the palm of his hand forever . Love always your niece Donna
Linda (Avery) Coursey says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Toni was such a kind person. I remember her coming to visit my mother, Mickey Avery; they would eat, drink tea and laugh for hours. Toni was a special lady.
Ryan Zinke says
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends on the passing of Toni Boyle. No doubt she was a special lady who loved her family. She showed great courage in life and shaped an enduring family of service. Our prayers and warmest thoughts. Ryan and Lolita.
Ken and Ann Svendsen says
Our condolences to the whole Boyle family on your loss.
Toni was such a special person who had a smile and a laugh that could light up a room.
She always had time to help a friend and never too busy to say hello.
Toni was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
Ken and Ann
Ken ,shoko ,susan, brenda says
Sending our deep and heartfelt sympathy to BOYLE families, We will loving memories to forever held in our heart , toni was always helping others who need help. will miss your lough , smile ,your cook( japanese food ) your kindness,,,,,,,,,
Heaven gained a special lady, toni until we meet again,
TONI REST IN PEACE
Mike Cieri says
Sympathies to the Boyle family on the loss of a great mother, grandmother and caring person of all.
Tricia and Dan McGurran says
Sending our deepest condolences to your family. What a great tribute written about an amazing woman.
She will always be in your hearts and watching over you all giving you strength! May all the happy memories stay with you and help ease your sadness.
Lee Bowers says
Tom and Debbie and Boyle Family:
My Deepest Condolences for you and your family. Your mother was a wonderful person. I had never known of her history or yours from back in Japan then Baltimore. Only here in Helena where I met you all in high school and then through all these years every now and again your mother as our paths crossed. Toni always remembered me, or at least I felt like she did, and always smiled and took time to chat. A unique and very special woman who cannot be forgotten as she is in each of you.
Love and Prayers Toni and your loving family,
Sincerely, Lee
Amanda. Costco says
My condolences to u all!! I really loved TonI when she would come to Costco. Toni was always smiling and happy. I luved to hug her she made me laugh. I know she really luved mums in the planters. Flowers made her so happy. May the Good Lord, comfort all of u with his loving kindness. Praying for Cindy and family. Luv Amanda
Julie Glenn Rogers says
Dear Deb and Tom, Thinking about you all today as you celebrate the life of your beautiful mom, what a legacy she left all that knew her! I don’t recall ever seeing Toni that she did not have a smile on her face:)
Many blessings and God’s peace to you all,
Julie Glenn Rogers
Mary Mouat says
Sweet Toni Boyle was a treasured member of our health care team at St. Peter’s! She was always warm and compassionate and reached out to everyone! I know she made a lasting impressing on many of her coworkers with her wonderful Japanese cooking surprises and laughter. Her obit is beautiful–made me smile. Peace to her family
Mike Gaglione says
Never had the privilege of meeting this grand lady but know and worked with her grandson, Tom Boyle. He is a gentleman and an honorable soldier and is a a product of this great ladies guidance and nurturing which is the greatest testimony to her. Rest in Peace beautiful lady.