Antoinette "Toni" Balzano Kirby

Antoinette Louise Balzano Kirby, 80, of Johns Island, SC, and wife of Roger M. Kirby, went to heaven on February 16, 2024 at home surrounded in love by her family, while both of her boys were holding her hands. Her Funeral Service will be held, February 20th, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3673 Maybank Hwy. Visitation will be held from 10am - 11am in the sanctuary.  Service will begin at 11am and Burial will follow in the  St. John's Episcopal Churchyard. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

Toni was born July 3, 1943 in Miami, FL, a daughter of the late Anthony “Tony” Raymond Balzano and Nina Mae Wells Balzano.  Along with her family she moved to Johns Island in 1950 where she would spent the next 73 years. After graduating St. Johns High School in 1961 she went on to Palmer Business College in Charleston, South Carolina.   She embarked on her professional career and worked at GMAC for 30 years, retiring at the early age of fifty five. 

In 1975 Toni became a mother, first to Michael and then to Jeffrey in 1978. Toni would often say “ all I ever wanted was to be a mother “.   She was and is an amazing mother,  not just to her boys, but to all. Toni excelled at motherhood and was the foundation of her family, through and through. She was an excellent gift giver, always knew the right thing to say, never missed a special date. Toni was our constant cheerleader and supporter. Never did her children wonder of their mothers love. Strong and true with lessons to teach of morality and manors.  

In the summer of 1982 she married Roger M. Kirby. Their life together was full of raising children and Grand children, adventure, traveling and entertaining family and friends. Together they built a legacy of love. 

In 2009 Toni became a glowing grandmother to Josie and in 2014 to Jane. She was the kind of grandmother that never missed a beat, always in the stands cheering them on. No one ever went to bed without a goodnight call from their Bee. 

Toni showed her love through gatherings and there was room at her table for all. An excellent cook, gift giver, an icon of style and grace. 

Toni was predeceased in death by her parents Anthony R. and Nina M. Balzano and is survived by her husband Roger M. Kirby of Johns Island, sons Michael A. Mitchell of Charleston, Jeffrey C. Mitchell, his wife Jessica and granddaughters Josie and Jane Mitchell of Johns Island, her stepsons Roger M. Kirby Jr and Christoper A. Kirby, her siblings Raymond “ Bumpsie “ C. Balzano of Johns Island and his Daughters Danielle B. Glassberg and Emily B. Barker, Terrina B. Allen of Rock Hill and her children Terrina A. Heyden and Robert L. Grimball Jr. and great-nieces and nephews. 

Memorial donations in Antionette B. Kirby’s honor may be made to the following:

The MUSC Foundation/Hollings Cancer Center in support of ovarian cancer research, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425 or

St. Johns Episcopal Church, 3673 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, South Carolina 29455 .

The family requests that all flowers are sent to J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glen McConnell Pkwy, Charleston, South Carolina 29414