Toni Durette Perry (1945 – 2025)

Toni Durette Perry, who was revered for her unwavering love for family and friends, unyielding positivity, and strength, passed away on February 8, 2025. Born on January 2, 1945, in Coronado, CA, Toni was known for her larger-than-life personality, loving spirit, and the undeniable light she brought into the world.

Toni Durette Perry

Toni will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Donald Perry; her beloved children, Shawn Perry (Charles Nagelvoort) and Leslie Shea Perry (Jason Brown); her grandson, Jarrett Sturgill; her sister, Bobbie Smoot; her brother, Paul Diehl III (Julie Diehl); her sister-in-law, Mary Anne Durette; her niece, Kelsie Mast (Brent Mast); and her nephews, Paul Diehl IV (Riley Diehl) and Kevin Durette, as well as her many special cousins.

She is reunited in rest with her mother, Mary Jean Diehl; her father, Robert Joseph Durette; her stepfather, William Paul Diehl Jr.; her brother, Robert Durette; her brother-in-law, Leonard “Bo” Smoot; and her nephew, Robbie Durette.

Toni’s greatest accomplishment was raising two daughters with love, joy, and warmth. She was a devoted wife, a loving grandmother, a nurturing sister, and a steadfast friend. After graduating from Strasburg High School, she studied English at Radford University, where she met her husband. Following her graduation, they married on June 21, 1967, and settled in Blacksburg, VA. Toni taught high school English and Drama before choosing to become a full-time mother and homemaker upon the arrival of her children. She was an involved, caring, and positive mother, offering boundless love to those around her.

Toni had a big personality and left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She loved swimming, traveling, playing tennis, and seeking new adventures. She was a gracious and warm hostess known for organizing wonderful gatherings and celebrations. Daring, inspirational, kind, loving, funny, and determined, Toni always spoke her mind freely and remained true to her convictions. She lived life to the fullest despite the many challenges she faced toward the end. We will always remember her bright eyes, warm smile, and infectious laugh.

Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal, VA, is directing funeral services. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial will occur in River View Cemetery in Strasburg, VA. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lynn Care Center in Front Royal, VA, Resident Council Fund, Attention: Megan Smith.