Antoinette Como, 95 passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Friday November 29, 2024.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on June 23, 1929, Antoinette was the twelfth child of Anthony Mangiaracina and Carmella Ciulla Mangiaracina, proud Italian immigrants who traveled from Castelvetrano, Italy to the United States seeking a better future for their children.

Antoinette, grew up in the River Market neighborhood and attended Karnes Elementary school, Northeast Junior High School and in 1947, she graduated from Northeast High School. Antoinette, was a unique blend of old-world tradition and the American dream.

Antoinette met Joe Como, a handsome US Naval recruit at the Pla-More Ballroom and they married in 1953. Together, they welcomed two sons, Joe and Michael and they shared 30 wonderful years together until his death in 1983. Nothing gave Antoinette more joy than being a wife, a mother and a homemaker.

After she raised her two sons, Antoinette was ready for her next adventure, which was being the best "Meemaw" to her three granddaughters, Natalie, Paula and Alex. There were countless trips to the zoo, too many happy meals to count, fishing trips, and hours of storytelling and play. Thanks to "Meemaw", our girls will never have to wonder what it is like to be loved unconditionally.

Antoinette and her two older sisters, Marie and Ann were the best of friends. Also known as the Three Amigos, they hosted unforgettable family holidays, coordinated camping trips, baked Italian cookies for every occasion and played countless games of cards, including all night, high stakes "penny" poker.

Enjoying the outdoors, fishing and camping were activities she cherished. Antoinette and Joe took the boys to numerous National Parks and nurtured their love of all things outdoors. Antoinette was by far the best cook in her family thanks to closely guarded recipes shared with her from her mother-in-law Josephine.

Antoinette is preceded in death by her husband Joe, her parents, Anthony and Carmella, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonardo Como and Josephine DiCapo Como. She is also preceded in death by her brother Joe Mangiaracina and sisters Josephine Teri, Leona Lochiano Buehs, Catherine Harris, Jennie Tamborella, Clara Corso, Ann Parker and Marie Gray, sister in laws Congetta Parrino and Virginia Becchina.

Antoinette is survived by her two sons, Joe Como (Paula) and Michael Como (Jacque) three granddaughters, Natalie Como (Sam Lepley), Paula Wheeler (Travis) and Alex Como. She also leaves behind two great granddaughters, Cameron and Mara and many loved nieces and nephews.

We are taking comfort in knowing that you and Papa Joe are together once again, dancing to Frank Sinatra. We will miss you more than you can imagine, and we will carry your kindness and love in our hearts forever. Thank you for your compassion, your endless support, and for teaching us the lost art of what it means to be family.