Antonia Lee Jensen

Toni was one-of-a-kind, in a remarkable way. If you’ve had the chance to meet her, you were impacted positively. She lived an adventurous life and continuously offered and put forth good and kindness into the world. She never stopped learning, reading, exploring, playing and helping. From teaching pro-bono English lessons, learning the violin in her 40s and eventually giving lessons, serving in the Peace Corps in Turkmenistan, and teaching English in China; she saw the capacity for good in mankind and sought to further it.

Toni’s hiking, card game and pickleball groups in both Northern and Southern California were like family to her. She loved her family and friends dearly. She always sought out new adventure and opportunities for social camaraderie. She loved her four grandkids beyond measure. They were her raison de vivre, or her reason to live.

A teacher by trade, Toni taught in the Auburn, CA public elementary school system for 15 years, abroad for several years, adult school for 5 years, and continued offering English lessons from her home up until recently. Prior to her successful teaching career, she ran a cleaning business and an in-home daycare business - all while raising two small children.

Though her life was built on a path of adversity, Toni absolutely flourished. She persisted through many long years of emotional hardship, all the while relentlessly pursuing what made her happy. It was almost as if she had found the secret to life at a young age: do what makes you happy; and not for fame or fortune, but for the pure joy of it. Like her old license plate “ToniJoy,” Toni sought joy, not recognition or money. As a result of her pursuit, she embodied a gentle energy that was felt by those around her. People remembered how she made them feel.

Toni saw the intrinsic beauty in the smallest natural detail, from the rocks to the plants, and all of the beautiful details of the California landscape. Her favorite place was the forest, where she found peace while feeling the connectedness of the tall trees. When the world around her was in a rush, she took the time for all people. And just like the nature she loved, her slow, steady and mindful approach released a sense of calm that the world needed. Her drive for peace and persistence in all daily activities was a thing of beauty. Her soft energy emanated, an experience similar to listening to the classical music she loved.

Toni will be missed deeply and is survived by her children, Burke Mills and Brooke Dybka; in-laws, Andrea Mutascio Mills and Joshua Dybka; grandchildren, Mason, Nikki, Lily and Charlotte; several siblings, and many wonderful half-siblings and cousins.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents.