05/26/2026
QUEENSBURY - Toni S. Collura, 68, of Queensbury, NY, passed away on May 16th, 2026 at Glens Falls Hospital with her loving son, Michael, and daughter in law, Sarah, by her side.
Born January 7th, 1958 in Bethpage, NY, along with her twin sister Joni, she was the daughter of Joseph and Thelma Collura.
Toni graduated from Corinth High School and SUNY Adirondack and attended Skidmore College as a fine art major, narrowly missing a Bachelor’s degree by half of one class, after the birth of her son.
Toni worked as a sous chef at Chez Sophie and waited tables at The Coppersmith, Montcalm, Suttons, and Mikado (and hotdog cart in front of Crandall Library). She used her talents and passion for art and helping people by devoting 20+ years of teaching art at Ascend Mental Wellness (East Side Center), with a commitment to providing mental health services and art programs to those in need.
She was a strong advocate for everyone, particularly those with mental health challenges, taking members of Ascend Mental Wellness on community outings once a week, doing her best to spread JOY by giving all of herself.
Toni always remembered to acknowledge someone, truly caring for their well-being. Her many cards and phone calls for every occasion, or just because, were a bright moment for anyone lucky enough to receive them.
She enjoyed creating in mediums of painting, drawing, weaving, sculpture, teaching card making classes, finding thrift shop bargains, making quiches for all of her many loved ones, gathering with family, and friends who were like her family.
Spending her last years at The Cedars provided her with another opportunity to create new friends and to practice her giving nature. This provided her an immediate sense of community that she cherished.
Her love for her son, faith in God, strong work ethic, and kindness and generosity to so many in the community will be her legacy. Toni will truly be missed.
Toni is predeceased by her father, Joseph Collura. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her son Michael and his wife Sarah; her mother Thelma and eight siblings; Jude Hawkins (Gina Renzi), Joni Collura, Thomas Collura, Jeffrey Collura (Dianna), Julie McGilpin (David Armstrong), John Collura (Jen Dodge), Jacqueline Collura, T. Christopher Mochon Collura (Evonne); and many nieces and nephews.
A remembrance of life will be held, per her request, at the Queensbury Hotel (Queens Ballroom) on a date to be announced.
Donations in Toni’s memory may be made to: Ascend Mental Wellness, 3043 State Rt. 4, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or Open-Door Mission, 226 Warren St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.
Her son and family are thankful for the support throughout the years from her family-like friends, prayer groups, caregivers, and especially for her friends Andrea Deepe, Belinda Bradley, Robin Brewer, Lois Melito and so, so many others who are looking forward to celebrating the JOY and faith that was Toni.
Arrangements are under the direction of Densmore Funeral Home, Inc., 7 Sherman Ave., Corinth.