Antonia "Tonie" Mireles

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beautiful and remarkable individual, Antonia Mireles.  She passed away peacefully with family by her side and the love of God in her heart on May 13, 2024 in Uvalde, Texas at the age of 71. She was born on July 21, 1952 to Reinaldo Del Toro and Natalia Lopez. She held an extraordinary place in the hearts of her family and friends, always bringing warmth and joy into their lives. We take this moment to honor her remarkable life, filled with countless acts of kindness and love. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.

Antonia, better known as Tonie, brought love, happiness, generosity and faith to those around her. She was always striving for success and it was best seen inside the classroom. The honors that Tonie received were numerous and varied from Dean’s list to Phi Theta Kappa. Tonie graduated from the University of Arizona, Magna Cum Laude, in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Spanish. She was a true wildcat fan and supported her alma-mater whenever possible. Her desire for success led to another degree from Northern Arizona University where she received her masters in Education in 1997. This would define the strong foundation for her role as an educator.

Upon graduation, Tonie touched the lives of many students in different states such as Arizona, Georgia and Texas. Tonie considered retirement in 2016 but a calling from God overwhelmed her heart and she decided to accept a teaching position at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Uvalde, Texas where she would teach for four years before ultimately retiring from teaching. Her accolades in the classroom include being awarded teacher of the year on five separate occasions, on different campuses. Tonie would ultimately spend 37 years in the classroom dedicating herself as an educator, colleague, and mentor. She dedicated her career to nurturing young minds, believing strongly in the power of education to transform lives. Her classroom was a place of warmth and encouragement, where every student felt valued and inspired.

Tonie’s life was a beacon of dedication and love, marked by over 30 years as a devoted teacher and more than 45 years of marriage to her loving husband, Oscar. Oscar and Tonie have been married for 47 years and dated for 6 years, ultimately spending half a century of their lives together. Tonie and Oscar's enduring relationship was filled with mutual respect and love, a testament to their commitment through life’s many chapters. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Joel and Samantha, instilling in them the values of kindness, perseverance, and faith. Tonie was a pillar of strength for her family, always providing support and wisdom.

Her role as a grandmother was perhaps her most cherished. Tonie’s grandchildren called her nana and she loved them equally with her entire heart, embracing every moment with them and relished the joys of life’s simple pleasures. She was their mentor, their comfort, and their biggest cheerleader, always present or wanting to hear about their sporting events, academics, or daily life. There was never a birthday that she would not call to serenade them.

Tonie’s deep faith guided her throughout her life. Her belief in the goodness of others and the importance of service was evident in everything she did. She was a source of strength and guidance for many, always ready to lend a hand, an ear or a prayer.

As we remember Tonie, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, education, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a lesson in selflessness and compassion, echoing in the lives of her, family, students and friends.

The Mireles family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all those who have offered their condolences, support, and prayers during this difficult time. Your acts of kindness have provided strength and comfort when it was needed most.

In the spirit of celebrating Tonie’s remarkable life, a viewing service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Rushing Estes Knowles Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10 a.m. beginning at Rushing Estes Knowles Funeral Home with a procession to Sacred Heart Catholic Church immediately after for the mass of Christian burial where family and friends will come together to honor her memory, give their condolences, and find solace in the community of love and support that surrounds them. The pallbearers will be Samuel Oscar Mireles, Marquez Diaz, Maverick Diaz, Manny Gutierrez, Andres Peinado Jr., George Menchaca, Daniel Alcorta, and Danny Sanchez.

Tonie is proceeded in death by her parents and siblings Rogelio Del Toro, Israel Del Toro, Elizabeth Ruiz, and Julia Del Toro. She is survived by her husband Oscar Mireles from Uvalde, Texas, son Joel Mireles from Uvalde, Texas, daughter Samantha Diaz and son-in-law Brandon Diaz from Eagle Pass, Texas, grandchildren Samuel Oscar Mireles from Uvalde, Texas, Brooke Diaz, Marquez Diaz, and Maverick Diaz from Eagle Pass, Texas and siblings Mary Chapa from Dallas, Texas, Nora Falcon from Campwood, Texas, Rosalinda Del Toro from Garden City, Kansas, Adriana Del Toro from Edinburgh, Texas and Valerie Romero from Uvalde, Texas.

Tonie, was not one to say goodbye, instead she would tell her loved ones “see you later”, so this is not goodbye but “see you later”, to our beloved wife, mother, nana, sister, and aunt. We will carry her memory in our hearts, forever grateful for the light she brought into our lives. May her tenacious soul find eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire and uplift us all.

- In Loving Remembrance,

The Mireles Family