Toni (Sylvia) Wartenweiler
In the winter firelight she wished for summer to come to see her flowers. It did and she did. Toni (Sylvia) Wartenweiler was born in Zurich, Switzerland, on November 2, 1934. Her life and many travels left her at home on Trestle Creek, Hope, Idaho. She left us with her Swan Song, June 28, 2017. Her condition was not to be discussed, her life sketch to be modest and humble as she was.
Toni was once described as “class with dignity,” how fitting. Each morning was started with coffee in her mother’s rocker doing the crossword puzzles of the day. Her mastery of crosswords came from her mastery of language and being widely read. An exemplary student, she graduated from Oroville High School, two preparatory schools in Switzerland and with high honors from the University of Arizona in German language studies. She later used this background to teach German night classes at North Idaho College.
Early years were spent in Berkeley, Oroville and Napa, California, with interim living and visits in Zurich. She honored her Swiss heritage. After marriage, the family followed an Air Force career moving every few years, with time at Fairchild AFB in Spokane. During this period her children, Kendra and Eric, were born. When one considers the success of children it oft comes from early dedication to their development, Toni was a model mother who encouraged reading, exploration and adventure. Both children are admired young adults.
She met Scott Hancock in 1983 and they married on a hillside in Salmon, Idaho, five years later. It was the love of a lifetime. Her devotion and care for Scott are legend. Toni was a teacher, in profession and life. She taught at NIC, many schools in the area and substituted for years in Kootenai County and Hamilton, Montana. She received a national teacher’s certification from the University of Montana, Missoula, in 1988. Her quiet encouragement made her an excellent teacher. Involvement in the culture was a big part of the class. As a young adult she modeled, appearing in many national magazines featuring ads for business machines, Time, Life, Look and European publications. Beautiful inside and out, her impeccable dress, demeanor and grace set her apart.
Toni became the first regional director of the Senior Companion Program with the Area Agency on Aging, giving it national recognition. At various times throughout her life she worked in finance, including Bank of America, American Express in Zurich, other banks and accounting departments. She worked in the clerk’s office in Sandpoint on two different occasions and finished her career after 19 years with the Ellisport Bay Sewer District as clerk in 2014.
Her professional career was filled with accolades. A Red Oak was planted at the McDonald monument in Hope dedicated to her for service to the community on the north end of Lake Pend Oreille. A young friend who helped so much said he came each day to see her smile. Indeed. Another commented on her “calm loveliness.” Music was a love, a knowledgeable classical student and opera buff, her piano was a friend. We shall remember the quiet grace, soft voice and beautiful life she led, guiding others to greater heights of self-respect and personal integrity. “ROSE LIPPED MAIDENS, LIGHT FOOT LADS.”
She leaves behind her husband, Scott Hancock, Hope; a daughter, Kendra Smith, Boise; a son, Capt. Eric Wartenweiler Smith (Teresa) Key West, Florida; a sister, Joyce Wong, Berkeley, California; a brother, Dr. Franz Wartenweiler (Pat), Napa, California; and many nieces and nephews, two who need special mention for their help, Kent Jenkins, Pocatello, and Cory Wong, Delta, Colorado.
A memorial Swiss celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Toni’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guestbook.