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Toni Patterino McMullin, 82, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, surrounded by her children.
Born May 21, 1944, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Toni was the daughter of the late Michael Anthony and Grace (Winter) Patterino.
Toni graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Mount Carmel, Pa., and later completed the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Bellefonte Hospital. Early in her working life, she cared for others as a nurse at Divine Providence Hospital in Williamsport, the Bellefonte Hospital and Centre Community Hospital.
She also worked as a Bell Telephone operator before beginning a long career at The Pennsylvania State University, retiring in 2004 after 30 years of service as a staff assistant.
Toni was extraordinarily creative and expressed this through her sewing and crafting. An accomplished seamstress and crafter, she made everything from prom and wedding gowns to hunting clothes and specially designed bags for walkers and other mobility aids, which she sold at craft fairs and through medical equipment suppliers.
She and her family were especially proud of her work with the Quilts of Valor program. Between 2017 and 2022, Toni made eight quilts honoring American veterans for their service and sacrifice. Among the recipients were a Medal of Honor recipient, a Tuskegee Airman and several of the pioneering Montford Point Marines. Her quilts combined two things that meant a great deal to her -- creating something with her own hands and using that gift to honor others.
Toni also loved to travel, especially with the close friends and classmates whose friendships she treasured throughout her life. Those trips brought many adventures, much laughter and memories that Toni and her friends cherished.
Free-spirited, independent and determined, Toni lived life on her own terms. She was a caring and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who took great joy in celebrating the lives and accomplishments of the people she loved.
Toni is survived by her daughter, Traci Capperella and her husband, David, of Bellefonte; her son, Marc and his wife, Peggy (Hooley), of Wilmington, N.C.; her cherished grandson, Dominic Capperella; her sister, Michele Routi, of Long Island; her niece, Lisa Routi Carmen; and several additional nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Toni was preceded in death by her grandson, Grady Hooley McMullin; her niece, Tara Routi; and her former husband, Glenn Barry McMullin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Advantage Hospice Charitable Foundation or the Faith Centre Food Bank in Bellefonte.
A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation, with Elise Lenhart officiating.
Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be shared with the family through www.Wetzlerfuneralhome.com