Catherine Toni Tompkins
Born and raised in Beaver Mines, Alberta, Toni was one of eleven children born to Antoinette and Guillaume Biron. After graduating high school, Toni attended Henderson College and earned a business diploma. She worked as Executive Director at the YMCA, a role she cherished and frequently spoke of with fondness.
Born and raised in Beaver Mines, Alberta, Toni was one of eleven children born to Antoinette and Guillaume Biron. After graduating high school, Toni attended Henderson College and earned a business diploma. She worked as Executive Director at the YMCA, a role she cherished and frequently spoke of with fondness.
In 1949 Toni married the love of her life, Patrick and together raised seven children. As a devout Roman Catholic, she was a strong supporter of the re-opening of St. Patrick’s Church where she was married and attended with her family. Patrick volunteered on the construction of St. Pat’s Church.
From 1976 to 1999 they owned and operated the Gift Gallery in the Elrancho Motor Hotel (now the Coast Hotel). Mom had excellent taste and imported beautiful giftware from around the world. In 1983 she founded Tompkins Jewellers, a business now run by daughter Lisa Tompkins, continuing her mother’s legacy.
She is survived by her children: Mallory (Renee) Tompkins; Patricia (Tom) Toney; Mark Tompkins; Michele (Tom) Mihalik; Annette (Jaye Asplund); and Lisa Tompkins (Eric Deringer). She is also survived by her sisters Lillian Gallagher and Gloria Higgenbotham. Her memory lives on in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She joins in memory her husband Patrick, son Gregory, and granddaughter Lana Toney—whose absence is deeply felt.
Mom’s ‘secret’ to a long and healthy life was a perpetual desire to learn new things and stay active in mind and body. We will remember her laughter, sense of adventure, love for family, and firm belief that life is meant to be lived with curiosity, kindness, purpose and faith.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Good Sams West Highlands for their compassionate care, and to the doctors and nurses at Lethbridge Regional Hospital for their gentle support and dignity during mom’s final days.
A Prayer Service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, with Father Valentine Suum officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd West, Lethbridge, AB, with Father Valentine Suum celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Toni’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Guestbook (13)
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. LeeAnne & Dean Jetten. 🙏
Dear aunt Toni. Happy trails and many new adventures in heaven. My condolences to the cousins for their loss.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Keeping you all in my prayers.
We are very sorry for your loss of an amazing woman. We certainly will miss our visits with her and so grateful for the times we had.
My condolences to all ~ I met your Mother through Greg - such a loving lady and was an honour to know Mrs. Tompkins. Sending caring thoughts.
Dearest Toni, you were more than an auntie, you were our friend, and cheerleader. We’re gonna miss you but we appreciate your great stories and lessons. They’ll live on in all of us. Much love to all the cousins and spouses.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith “-2TIMOTHY 4:7. Blessed with 102 years of life devoted to faith and family. My beloved Aunt Toni now dwells in everlasting peace.
Aunt Toni was a saint! She was so kind and welcoming, her door was always open. I wish I would have been able to spend more time with her as she was the heart of the family, always there with a warm smile and a comforting word. Her love and generosity touched everyone around her, and she will be deeply missed.
Mrs. Tompkins helped us pick out our engagement and wedding rings 25 years ago. She was so kind and helpful. It will always be a treasured memory for us. We are so sorry for your loss.
A long bountiful life , I hope everyone finds solace in that!
Michele, Tom & Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. With our deepest sympathies, Dean & Lori Johnson
I am saddened to hear about Toni’s passing but realized what an amazing, long life she lived! Toni was a wonderful neighbor of mine for 17 years while our children were growing up and I have many positive memories of her and her family. I always saw in Toni a grace, a warm personality, someone who gave a lot of herself, someone who faced challenges head on, someone who courageously started a new business in Lethbridge, Tompkins Jewellery. She was an inspiration to me! Love to all of you, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I am very sorry for the loss of your mom. She made a huge impact on a lot of people. I know she and your dad were good friends to my own parents.