Laura Andrews

November 8, 1924 ~ February 16, 2021
Laura Toni Andrews, 96, of Princeton, Illinois passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at home.
She was born in Harvey, IL, as daughter of Asa Frank Moore, born February 14, 1894 and Effie Mae Morris, born August 12, 1896. Both deceased in the 1960’s.
Toni was the mother of eight children and four step-children. Although she wasn’t able to go to high school she was a voracious reader, a learner, and a self-motivated entrepreneur.
She became a scrub nurse at Copley Hospital and then went on to become a real estate broker in 1963. Toni operated a real estate business, Imperial Reality, in Aurora, IL for many years. Later she chose to open a resale/antique store, Toni’s Treasures, also in Aurora. She concluded her working career as manager of an apartment complex, working as the manager for Shaker Management until her retirement in 2009.
In the years of her life, many cities were home to Toni and her family. Remembered fondly though are Como, Sterling, Rock Falls, Princeton, Eldena, and Aurora, where most of her years were spent.
Surviving are six children: Jim (Sheila) Gabler of Sterling, IL, Michael (Shirley) Wagner, of Kentucky, Dawn (Ian) Goldberg of Aurora, IL, Toni (Kenneth) Rivera of Princeton, Lisa (Tom) Gillespie of Aurora, and Laura Root-Tanner of Princeton; two step-children, Sandy Engel and Bethany Atkins; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Having lived many years, she was preceded in death by two children: Cindy Smith and Russell “Rusty” Tanner; two step-children: Kim Andrews and Vinton “VJ” Andrews; her furry son, Tito Andrews; 3 grandchildren: Jodi Cosgrove, Laura Hines, and Olivia Tanner Wetzel; a great-grandchild: Joshua Smith; her mother, father, four sisters, husbands fathering her children and many dear friends and other relatives.
She was a member of Sanctuary Church in Batavia for many years, but most recently a member at New Hope Church of the Nazarene, where she was loved by many.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 for family from 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. a time for friends and family will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. and a service at 2:00 p.m. following at New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Princeton. Out of love and respect for others, wear a mask and social distance if possible. A livestream option will be held on the New Hope Church of the Nazarene facebook page https://www.facebook.com/princetonnewhope. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Memorials may be directed to New Hope Church of the Nazarene, Princeton, Illinois. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
Toni always had a smile on her face and alway concerned about how you’re doing and wanting to help any way she could. She was a great listener and very wise. Toni may you fly high with the angels and to the family I hope you find peace with the wonderful memories of Toni and know she is at peace with Jesus .
I never knew Tony, but the quality of her children says a lot about her life. May God bless her memory for generations.