Camille Antoinette Amestoy Gillespie, known as Toni to family and friends, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at her longtime home in La Cañada Flintridge, California. As one of the first 50 families to settle in Los Angeles in 1865, Toni was a 4th generation Angeleno, born to Louis and Camille Amestoy on March 5, 1935.
Toni grew up in San Marino. She graduated in 1953 from Mayfield Senior School where she was a Junior Olympics champion diver. She went on to USC where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It was there that she met her true-love match, Mike, on a blind date. That blind date led to a 1956 wedding, a joy filled marriage of 67 years, 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
A long-time parishioner of St. Bede’s Catholic Church, Toni’s faith was always unwavering. When first arriving in La Cañada in 1958, Toni and Mike were very involved with the Newcomer’s Club, where Toni eventually served as President. In 1975, she joined the Assistance League of Flintridge and later became a Life Member.
Toni’s greatest joy came from being with her family and friends. She had a smile that lit up any room and heart filled with love and compassion that shined even brighter. Whether it was swimming stroke for stroke as the sun set in Hawaii with Mike, traveling across the US in their motor home, or time spent with children and grandchildren, Toni was oh so happy.
Toni will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and enjoyed her company. If she were here today, she would encourage you to talk to God, say your prayers, take a swim at sunset, always do your best; whatever your best is and be true.
A funeral mass will be held at 11am on November 11, 2023 at St. Bede’s Catholic Church, La Cañada followed by a celebration of life.
