Antonelia "Toni" I. (Tomolak) Zernick-Atherton

July 30, 1940 ~ June 2, 2025 (age 84)

Antonelia I. Zernick-Atherton, of South Bend, passed away on the evening of Monday, June 2, 2025, at the age of 84.

Antonelia, known as “Toni” to all who knew her, was born on July 30, 1940, in South Bend, to the late Charles and Clementina (Vlerick) Tomolak.    Toni was a lifelong resident to the area.  On July 7, 1958, she married Richard M. Zernick who preceded her in death in 1997.  Together they raised two loving daughters who survive, Charlotte (Brian) McGinnis, and Carolyn Zernick (William Burns), both of South Bend.  She later found companionship again and married, Billy J. Atherton on July 16, 2001, in South Bend.  He survives along with his daughter Anne Atherton, of Palm Beach, FL, and son, Robert (Joni) Atherton, of Cassopolis, MI.  She was a proud grandma to Kristine Yantis-Sedlock, Dennis Marvin, Daniel Baker, and Tina Lemer and to her step-grandkids, Jovan Atherton and Jordan Atherton.  She was also a great grandma of five, step-great grandma of seven and a great-great grandma of one.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Tomolak. 

Toni and her husband were the former owners of Mr. Friendly’s Pet Shop.  She was a loving homemaker and enjoy all the time she spent with her family.  In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting and crocheting of all sorts and she also loved spending time out in her garden.

It was Toni’s wishes to be cremated with no service.  She will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery of South Bend, at a later date.  In honor of Toni, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Hanley and Sons Funeral Home, 23421 S.R. 23, South Bend is assisting the family with arrangements and wish to extend our deepest sympathy to all of Toni’s family and friends. 

6/06/2025 djb

https://www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/AntoneliaToni-Zernick-Atherton