Marie A. Talbot

Marie 'Toni' Talbot, passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2024. She was 84 years old. Toni, as she was known to most, leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness that touched all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 56 years, Kenneth Joseph Talbot. Toni is survived by her beloved sisters: Catherine Vecchio and Josephine Portelli, her children: Jennifer (Matteo) diTommaso, Matthew (Beth) Talbot, and Michael Talbot, as well as her adored grandchildren: Joseph, Sofia, Eva-Marie, and Juliet. Toni grew up on Lawndale Street in southwest Detroit, the fifth of seven brothers and sisters. From a young age, she was instilled with a deep Catholic faith, lovingly nurtured by her parents, Anthony and Carmen Zammit, who emigrated to Detroit from Malta. At the early age of 16, Toni’s faith led her to join the Adrian Dominican Sisters. She spent nine years living in religious community, before leaving at the age of 25 after feeling called to have a family. Shortly thereafter, fate led her to Kenneth, the love of her life, at a bowling league in Dearborn. They were married in 1967, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together. Toni pursued higher education at Siena Heights College while in the convent, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in History. She initially embarked on a career in teaching as a nun and continued as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools after she was married. As her family with Kenneth grew, she put her career on pause to raise her three children. When they reached middle school, Toni reentered the workforce at First of America Bank, where she eventually rose to the position of branch manager. Despite her success in banking, Toni felt compelled to give back to the community. Together with her sister Catherine, they founded Wonder Years, an in-home daycare center in Plymouth that she ran for many years. Kenneth later joined the daycare after his retirement in order to support its continued expansion. The daycare reflected her love of teaching as well as her desire to create lasting impact in the lives of children. The last chapter of Toni’s career was spent working part time at the Canton Public Library. Throughout their married life, Ken and Toni were active members of their parishes, St. John Neumann and St. Thomas a’Becket. It was only a year ago that Kenneth, her husband of 56 years, passed away. Toni continued her life of devotion by praying the rosary and participating in the daily Mass online. Her faith as well as her family sustained her and gave her a sense of peace and wellbeing during the last year of her life. Toni was an amazing beacon of positivity who brought joy to those around her. Her presence was a blessing to her children as well as her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, who cherished the time they spent with her. Toni's legacy of love, faith, and service will live forever in the hearts of those whose lives she has touched. Visitation is Monday, July 22nd from 6 until 8 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West (between Sheldon and Beck) Plymouth. In state Tuesday, July 23rd at 10 AM until the 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 South Lilley Road, Canton, MI 48188. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliot Street, Detroit, MI 48207. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Marie A. Talbot

November 3, 1939 - July 16, 2024