Antoinette M. Tejeda

On June 2, 2026 in Flower Mound, Texas, Antoinette Tejeda died at the age of 102. Toni was born on January 17, 1924 to the late Gerardo and Loreto (nee Araujo) Tejeda. Toni would be the first to tell you, between those two dates, she had a very full life. At the time of her birth her parents and five older sisters lived in a box car on the property of the Santa Fe Railroad in Streator, Illinois. After a few years the family, with now a younger sixth sister moved to a small frame house on Jackson St.  The future spouses and children of these seven women would learn that the sisters' shared childhood was the preeminent emotional experience of their lives, creating among them, a lifelong unbreakable sisterhood.

From their earliest years, their parents emphasized two unwavering principles, devotion to the Catholic Church and the limitless opportunities achievable through education. To that end, in 1942, Toni was the fourth sister to enroll at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois.  She graduated in 1946 with a BA in Spanish, with an emphasis on Literature and Grammar.  Education became her profession. In 1948, the parents and unmarried sisters relocated to East Hazel Crest, Illinois. For a few years Toni taught at high schools in the tiny communities of Peotone and Momence before pursuing a graduate degree from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. Upon graduation she began her dream job, a professorship at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. Teaching grammar was her joy. She retired after 25 years. However, well into her 80s she continued to substitute teach at the university.

In, 2010, to support and comfort an ailing sister, Toni relocated to Resurrection Retirement Community on the northwest side of Chicago.  She lived there independently until her 100th birthday.  Toni was both independent and self-confident. She neither married nor had children. She traveled extensively, paying extended visits with friends across Latin America and Europe. She also lived a life committed to service to the less advantaged. For many years she provided translation services and financial support to the Guadalupe Clinic in Wichita, a free clinic providing health care to the uninsured. Well into her 90's she accompanied Notre Dame sisters on their visits to Lake County Jail to distribute communion and provide counseling to the Spanish speaking incarcerated. Toni was a very social person; she loved a party. She was smart, witty, held strong opinions and loved a good spirited conversation. Toni had decades long friendships. Toni is greatly missed by family, friends and the many people who benefited from her kindness.

Toni is predeceased by her parents, Gerardo and Loreto (Araujo) Tejeda and sisters Juanita Tejeda, Louise Vigil (John), Carmen Tejeda, Esther Tejeda and Margaret Chodor (Richard).  She is survived by her younger sister Theresa Yepez (Agustin) and nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held for Toni on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 16801 Dixie Hwy, Hazel Crest, IL, followed by a funeral mass. She will be interred alongside her parents and three of her sisters at Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St John Neumann Parish, 17951 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL, 60430 (https://sjnhomewood.org/). Please specify, "For the Maintenance of St Anne Catholic Church".  May Toni rest in peace. For further information, please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300