Memorial Service: 10:00 AM Thursday at Vondel Smith Mortuary South Colonial Chapel

Antonia, the sweetest little “Ladybug”, went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2013 at the age of 9. She was born November 16, 2003 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the beloved daughter of Brandie Nicole Candelaria. Tonie had the sweetest, most gentle and loving spirit about her. She was a beautiful young lady on the inside and out. She had her own most special and beautiful way of looking at the world. She could find the positive, good and joy in everything. She was never afraid to speak up or try anything. She would randomly say or point out things that would help others see and understand things in a positive light no matter what the situation was. If Tonie ever was mad, sad or upset, she certainly didn’t stay that way long. She had too much joy to share to stay unhappy very long. Tonie always danced, not walked, to the beat of her own drum. And she banged her drum very well. She would bang that drum so loud that others could not help but to start dancing to her beat as well. Tonie always had a song in her heart and she loved to sing. Her family always listened to Jake FM Country Radio station and Antonia would always sing along and knew most of the words to every song that played. She had recently auditioned to sing in the Plaza Towers Elementary School Talent Show that was to be held on the last day of school. We were so very proud of her using her God-given talents and expressing her contagious personality with her fellow 3rd grade students. Among her many other talents, Tonie was especially gifted in art as well as music. She loved to draw, paint, color and make crafts. She recently got an art book for her birthday and you would often find her practicing her drawing in that book. Most of all, Tonie was the best friend anyone could ever have. Tonie loved school and she was friendly to all of her fellow schoolmates but her best little pal was Emily Conatzer, besides her sisters. Tonie and Emily met on the first day of school and were instant friends. They were even more elated and grew even closer when they realized they were next door neighbors as well. You could always find Tonie and her little sisters playing with their neighbors and best friends, Emily & Luci. They were always giggling, running, laughing and playing. They were inseparable, even in their last moments, they held on to one another and followed each other into Heaven and they will never be alone. Although Tonie was only with us for such a brief time on earth, we are forever changed by her presence in our lives. She will continue to live on in our lives and hearts forever and every little ladybug we encounter will be a reminder of Antonia. We will miss our precious little “Ladybug” everyday but will rejoice for the day we will be reunited with her again someday. Antonia was an amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend who as loved and cherished beyond measure. Antonia leaves behind her loving mother, Brandie Nicole Candelaria & fiancé, Jimmy Rosson; her sweet little sisters: “butterfly” Trinity Candelaria and “dragonfly” Lillian Rosson; grandparents: Cindy & Darin Torres and great grandparents, Sal & Fidelia Candelaria and countless other loving family & friends. Antonia’s family sincerely appreciates everyone’s thoughts, prayers and loving support. Services to celebrate Antonia’s life 10:00 AM Thursday, May 23, 2013 at South Colonial Chapel. Friends may leave condolences for the family at www.vondelsmithmortuary.com.