She was born on October 22, 1948 to Sheldon and Donna (Askew) Orwig. She married Larry Strode on May 6th, 1964. They were married for 60 years and through teardrops and laughter, they passed through the world hand in hand. He survives along with her children: Cory Strode of Minnesota, her daughter, Kimberly (Curt) Linderman of Missouri, and her daughter, Kristin (Michael) Aigner. Her grand children: Melinda (David) Engel, Derek (Beth) Hahn, Michael (Darcy) Strode, CJ, Destini, Kassidy and Kaden Linderman, and Elizabeth Aigner. Her great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Sebastian Engel and Grayson and Juliet Barse. Her brother, Troy (Barbara) Orwig and their children and grandchildren also survive in Indiana and Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her infant son Christopher, her daughter Kambria, her grandson Gregory, her brother Timothy and her parents, Sheldon and Donna Orwig.
Toni got her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Bradley University and worked in the NICU at St Francis Medical Center for 20 years, followed by the OSF Call Center until her retirement. She was called to do so after losing her 4th child, Christopher to Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and spent her career fighting for babies born with this serious birth defect. She was the first ECMO Coordinator and was instrumental in bringing this lifesaving program which saves the lives of not only babies born with CDH, but countless other critically ill babies and children in Peoria. Her compassion, tender care of the babies and their families, openness to share her extensive knowledge with new nurses, leadership and quiet strength made an indelible impact on those around her that will live on. Her perspective having had a baby in the same NICU was integral to how she cared for the babies and their families and how she taught others to care as they would if it was their own baby. She was driven to seek out the newest and best information to improve outcomes and survival for all the babies and support their parents no matter the outcome.
She was a beloved wife, mother and Nana and her favorite times were spent with Larry at St Pete Beach, FL and at family get togethers. She loved to sew and quilt and made sure each new baby in the family had a "Nana blankie" upon their arrival. She also made special "lovies" for the babies born with CDH in Peoria where daughter Kristin works. These cloth dolls help parents bond with their critically ill babies, and many continue to cherish this comfort as they grow. She also loved watching college basketball, crafting, gardening, baking and reading. She was a life long learner and helped to establish a local library with the donations of many of the books the family had read.
She shared her exceptional knowledge and love with family and friends and she will live on through that profound love and all she taught them.
Cremation will be accorded. A visitation will be held from 1 until 3 pm Saturday June 1st at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to CHOI Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Project. To send online condolences visit henrylange.com.
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