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Toni M. Dornseif

Toni M. Dornseif, 61, of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, surrounded by family and under the care of her husband of 40 years, Dan. Toni was born on July 28, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Donald and JoAnn Sample.

Toni’s life centered around her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy and purpose. She cherished time spent together and was intentional about creating meaningful moments, from planning family vacations to organizing camping trips, road trips, and relaxing cabin weekends. Her home was a place of gathering, laughter, and connection, where she prioritized quality family time and cherished countless friendships.

She had a deep passion for food and hospitality, which showed in every meal she prepared and every gathering she hosted. Toni loved baking and cooking delicious meals, often spending hours testing new recipes—one of her favorite hobbies. She enjoyed following food bloggers and discovering unique restaurants, always eager to share great food experiences with those she loved. Whether entertaining in her kitchen or hosting family get-togethers, she created a warm, welcoming environment that made everyone feel at home.

Toni also found joy in life’s simple pleasures and seasonal traditions. She delighted in creating beautiful front-porch arrangements, decorating her home to reflect each holiday and season, and savoring moments over a good cup of coffee in cozy coffee shops. She enjoyed winery outings and fall weather, and she adored her many basset hounds.

Throughout her 40-year career as a frontline healthcare worker and medical office manager, she was admired by her patients and colleagues. She consistently reminded her children of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Above all, Toni was a servant leader who was deeply involved in her church, ministry work, and numerous Bible studies and women’s life groups throughout the years. She was a warrior for love and a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She embraced others with an open heart and welcomed people from all walks of life.

Toni is survived by her husband, Daniel W. Dornseif; her children, Alexis Roepe (Kevin) and Daniel O. Dornseif (Christopher Sledd); her two granddaughters, Lillian and Hattie; her dear sister, Robin Hicks (Charles); and her sister-in-law, Linda, widow of Toni’s late brother. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Tracey Kay; and her brother, Mark.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pedal the Cause to support ongoing cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust Street. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to her entire healthcare team at Siteman Cancer Center, who so gracefully cared for Toni, and to her anonymous stem cell donor for their selfless act.

 

 

9 Comments

  1. Eleanor McCord on June 6, 2026 at 7:45 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Toni’s passing. I followed the news of her stem cell transplant and her courageous battle to win this fight against cancer through the writings of her Mother and Robin (they were two of her biggest fans.) My love, thoughts and prayers go out to Dan and the children and the extended family. “Life well lived, Toni!!” RIP



  2. Jeannine Moore on June 8, 2026 at 10:02 am

    I’ve known Tony way back to elementary. We lived up the road as well as yougins. She was always so sweet



  3. Alderman Patrick Barclay on June 8, 2026 at 10:20 am

    Thoughts and prayers for the entire family.



  4. Karen Bauer on June 8, 2026 at 11:18 am

    May the peace that can only come from Jesus be in the hearts and minds of all who grieve. I’m so sorry for your loss and can only imagine how much she’ll be missed!



  5. Ginny Endejan on June 8, 2026 at 11:46 am

    Toni’s legacy is one of laughter, purpose, love, and caring for all. Toni and I met through Dan, which whom I worked with for many years. After we retired, Toni, Dan, myself and my partner Joe met for dinner fairly often. Toni and I became better friends when she was diagnosed. I also was diagnosed with Breast Cancer during Toni’s treatment. I made meals for them, visited them and contacted Toni and Dan often. Toni was a great light that I will miss in so many ways. My prayers are for Dan, as life will be so different for him now, and for Lexi, Daniel and the rest of your families.



  6. Conne Lyons on June 8, 2026 at 12:08 pm

    Sweet, sweet neighbor! We will miss you so much. I am so glad that I came to see you. Thank you for being our friend.
    Tom & Conne Barrett



  7. Bonnie Miller on June 8, 2026 at 2:21 pm

    Toni was such a faithful friend and a wonderful nurse. I requested for her to go into the examination room with me when I’d just changed doctors and was going through a difficult season. She was such a comfort to me.



  8. The Mindy Darrow Family on June 10, 2026 at 11:56 am

    Knowing Toni was pure joy! Always a sparkle in her eye, a story to tell & a warm smile and spirit to gather you near! She will be missed, but I’m so glad to have known her. Thinking of you all as you begin to navigate this new road ahead.



  9. Francie Beveridge on June 11, 2026 at 3:54 am

    Toni was a fast friend when I met her in Parkton subdivision around 37 years ago…I met her for the first time as we walked our dogs in the medium of our street…we stopped and talked and that never stopped for all the time her and Dan lived there…we both moved and went different directions in 2014…she was my birthday twin and I can’t think of a better person for that…her personality, joy and strength were contagious…when I first heard of her passing., my head and heart were instantly filled with memories of our years in Parkton
    Please God give strength to Dan, a friend too, and children and grandchildren in months to come
    Francie Beveridge



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