Maria Antonia Soto

Maria Antonia Soto, affectionately known as Toñita, left this world peacefully on May 28th, 2025 at the age of 67. Toñita lived with quiet courage and unwavering hope through her journey with cancer, she fought hard for 3 years.

Toñita was the heart of our family – a pillar of strength, a source of unconditional love, and a keeper of countless cherished memories. She dedicated her life to her family with quiet grace, boundless generosity, and a wisdom that gently guided generations.

Born in Harlem, Toñita was one of seven children, growing up surrounded by the love and energy of a large, close-knit family. Toñita shared a unique bond with her seven siblings, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Toñita cherished family above all, and the strength of those sibling ties was evident in every chapter of her life.

Toñita spent her life nurturing those around her. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She raised her family with warmth and resilience, always finding joy in the simple things: a home-cooked meal, pop up visits, and a phone call from a grandchild.

She is lovingly remembered by her son and daughter in law. Angel and Idalia and her daughter and son in law Jessica and Chris, bonus son and daughter in law Timothy and Michelle Velez. As well as her treasured grandchildren: Leah, Jasiah, Ja’heim, Caitlyn, Justin, Karina, Tim jr. and Kenny, each of whom carries a part of her spirit forward. Toñita was also blessed with great-grandchildren Kato and Luna, who brought her great joy. She is reunited in peace with those who went before her, including her mother and father Carmen Quiñones and Francisco Soto, sisters Doris, Aida, Paquita and her brothers Papo and Ivan as well as her grandson Jonathan. She leaves behind her husband Jose Velez and her sisters Ova, Linda, Zulma, Estella and Marina and a sea of nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Toñita enjoyed dancing, especially to salsa, spending time knitting, shopping, crossword puzzles, watching novelas and quick games of dominos and spades.

Her love was a light in our lives – steady, patient, and enduring. Though she may be gone from our sight, she will forever live on in the stories we tell, the values we carry, and the love she gave so freely.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.”

A celebration of Maria’s life will be held on Saturday June 7, 2025 from 12-3pm at Colonial Funerals 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.