Toni Leslie (Stevenson) Sadlowski died of cancer March 24th of 2026, at her home in Higgins Lake, Michigan, surrounded by family. 

Toni lived an extraordinary life and was known for her ability to weather the storms life threw at her with grace and laughter. Toni was born on June 11th, 1952, in Oakland, California to father David Stevenson and her mother Lucy (Abrantes) Stevenson who both predeceased her. She lived in Oakland for her early life where she graduated from Skyline Highschool. She was a Songbird who performed at school athletic events developing her love for dance and the arts. Toni was also a member of Job’s Daughters International in her youth learning about leadership and charity. 

After high school Toni started her military service, becoming a member of the Women’s Army Corp., serving as a Communication Specialist. After her military service Toni earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Alabama before starting a family. After Toni moved to Washington state in the early 80’s, she started a job as an elementary librarian, which she held for two years. In 1986 Toni started as an Elementary schoolteacher and had an accomplished career where she impacted the lives of thousands of children. During Toni’s time in education, she also worked as a curriculum specialist and was awarded teacher of the year in 1999 for the Bethel school district of Washington. Toni’s proudest accomplishment as an educator was in 2000, when she passed her National Board Certification. 

In 2000 Toni also married Benjamin Sadlowski with whom she would spend her remaining years. Benjamin entered the marriage with two daughters who she took in as her own. Along with the four children Toni helped raise, Toni was also grandmother to seven grandchildren who all saw Toni as a foundation of their lives. In Toni’s later years she was an active member of the community in Higgins Lake participating as an officer for the local AMVET Post 13. She will be remembered fondly by all those she interacted with. Toni’s life was diverse, full of love, adventure, animals, and will be remembered for having an impact on the lives of so many. Her contagious laughter and her smile will be carried onward through her loved ones.

Toni’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 1:30pm, located at AMVET Post 13, 8009 AmVet Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653

Toni is predeceased by: Father – David Stevenson, Mother – Lucy (Abrantes) Stevenson, and Stepdaughter – Jammi Sadlowski.

She is survived by: Husband – Benjamin Sadlowski (Michigan), Brothers – Vern Stevenson (California), Eric Stevenson (California), Ross Stevenson (Washington), Daughter – Tanya Walter (Texas), Son – Travis James (Washington), and Stepdaughter – Kerry Lee (Texas).

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.