Toni Lovina (Née Lyon) Klch

Toni Lovina Klch (née Lyon), of Remsen, NY, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, at home, surrounded by the love of her daughters Bonni and Vicki.

Born on June 6, 1939, in Syracuse, NY, Toni was the eldest of eight children of Carl and Lovina Lyon. From an early age, she took on the role of caregiver, helping to raise her younger siblings. After graduating from Baldwinsville High School in 1957, Toni began a life of love, resilience, and devotion to her family. Shortly after high school, she met and fell in love with her first husband, Garfield DeCarr. Together, they built a welcoming home and raised their family in and around Steuben, NY, cherishing twenty-nine years together before Garfield’s passing in 1986.

Toni’s life was defined not by a career but by the countless lives she touched. While raising her own children, she opened her home to care for many children in her home day care, creating a nurturing environment where everyone felt welcome. Her friends and family will always remember her delicious cooking and baking, the intricate crafts she created, and her knack for making every occasion special.

Whether it was card games with friends in Little Falls, visits from loved ones during her years in California (2014–2024), or the time she spent reconnecting with family after returning to New York in 2024, Toni’s presence brought warmth and joy to everyone around her.

Toni was blessed to share her life with three devoted husbands who all predeceased her: Garfield DeCarr, Robert Schrader, and Paul Klch. Each brought unique love to her life, and their memories shaped her remarkable journey.

Toni’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her cherished children: Bonni Dlugolecki of Remsen, NY; Vicki Burns (and partner Charlie Sands) of Herkimer, NY; Jim (Karen) DeCarr of Gloversville, NY; Cindy (Ted) Martell of Sacramento, CA; Dave (Linda) DeCarr of Carmichael, CA. She also leaves Wendy Kovac, who was like a daughter in every way that mattered and her partner Kevin Trevor. She is also survived by two sisters, Margo Miller of Herkimer, NY, and Joan Roach of Carey, NC. Toni was predeceased by two sons-in-law; Ernie Burns and Edward Dlugolecki.

Her legacy lives on through her sixteen grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, each of whom brought immense joy to her life. She will be remembered for her generous heart, warm hugs, and steadfast love for her family and friends. Toni’s love, kindness, and indomitable spirit will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate to know her. The family would like to thank Dr. Arul Kannan and Hospice Palliative Care for their compassionate care and support

In keeping with Toni's wishes, services are private and at the convenience of the family. Toni has requested that arrangements for cremation be handled under the direction and care of Daniel J. Enea-Director of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5 (corner of Bidleman Road), Little Falls, 315-508-5131.