Sonia "Toni" Irene Oleyar

Sonia “Toni” Irene Oleyar, age 86, of Atlanta, GA, a beloved wife, wonderful mother, doting grandmother, proud great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend to many, and all-around mediocre cook, peacefully passed the morning of Tuesday, March 13, 2018 in Tucker, GA. While her passing was with great sadness there was also incredible relief that Toni did not have to endure the cruel final stages of Alzheimer’s – a disease she courageously battled during her final years. She will be greatly missed by many whose lives she positively impacted.

Toni was born August 12, 1931 in Bradford, PA and grew-up there and in Salamanca, NY in a loving family that enjoyed good card games, a few “voice-enhancing” drinks and evenings singing by the family piano.

Toni graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on languages. After graduation and while working at the State Department in Washington, DC, she married Michael Oleyar, Jr. in May, 1953 at St. Matthews Cathedral. After living in Manlius, NY, Phoenix, AZ and Bethesda, MD, Toni and Mike settled in Orlando, FL in 1972 where they lived until moving to Atlanta in 2004 to be closer to family.

In addition to family and friends, Toni had many passions in life including Penn State and University of FL football, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer, whatever sports, concerts or recitals her children were involved with and she had a deep love of the water – especially Ponce Inlet, FL, light houses and sail boats. Toni would do anything for her grandchildren and happily dropped anything to spend time with Ashley and Justin. She loved to read and would affectionately correct her husband’s and children’s use of English so that they would do “good”, feel “well” and have opportunities to “further” their education. Not a day went by when the last words heard while leaving for school weren’t “learn something!” Indecisiveness was met with “what are you waiting for, an invitation?” She sought to instill in her family accountability for action over inaction, a zest for life and adventure, commitment to family and friends, and the beneficial power of a warm smile, a welcoming home, sharp humor and unconditional love.

Toni is survived by her husband of over 64 years, Mike Oleyar, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, her daughter Hope and grandson, Justin of Atlanta, GA, her son, Karl of Henderson, NV, her granddaughter, Ashley and great grandson, Tristan of Lenoir, NC, and her brother Gerry of Palm Coast, FL. She also leaves behind many other loved relatives and friends.

Toni is proceeded in passing by her parents, Karl and Constance Seitz and her beautiful sister whom she dearly loved, Hope Chapin.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 25 at 2:00 PM at Decatur Presbyterian Church, 205 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA 30030, followed by a reception at her daughter, Hope’s home in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. Feel free to dress in bright colors, share stories, laugh, eat and drink as this is a “celebration of a life well-lived” in remembrance of the positive impact of Toni’s warm smile, welcoming heart, unconditional love and humor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Toni’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Organization, Georgia Chapter, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, Georgia 30346 or on the web at ALZ.org. Please provide the following address for Toni so that the family will be notified of any donations: Hope Williams, c/o STRH, Inc., 3333 Peachtree Road, 10th Floor South, Atlanta, GA 30326.

“I realized when you look at your mother; you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.”
― Mitch Albom