Antoinette C. Gallant

Antoinette “Toni” Gallant, age 103, of Palm Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on Friday, July 20, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; parents, Antonio and Vincenza “Jennie” (Abbagnato) Colletti; sisters, Providence “Pearl” Maki and Madeline Urick; and brothers, Mario and Francis Colletti.

Toni was born in Utica, NY, and grew up in Aurora, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She was referred to the school district Superintendent in Silver Spring, Maryland by the Dean of the University because, beyond her academic accomplishments, she was a talented pianist. In Maryland, she set up a newly organized Kindergarten program where she taught for 17 years. In the process of selecting equipment for the new program, Mr. Charles J. Gallant walked into her classroom to make a presentation and, within a short period of time, became her loving husband of 50 years until his passing in 2001.

The Gallants resided in Chevy Chase and Gibson Island, Maryland, where she was an avid tap dancer, State table tennis champion, and won golf championships at the Kenwood Country Club and Gibson Island Club. She and her family moved to Palm Beach, Florida in 1967 and maintained their summer cottage on Gibson Island for their sailing, boating and golf activities. While in Palm Beach, she became a very accomplished ballroom dancer and maintained an active lifestyle. She was a lifelong member of the Gibson Island Club, and both the Everglades Club and Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. She was known for her cheerful and gracious nature throughout her nearly 104 years.

Toni is survived by her two sons, Greg of Annapolis, Maryland and Steven of West Palm Beach, Florida, two grandchildren, and a number of other loving relatives and close friends.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last days. Services will be held privately.