Toni Ann Badovnac

Toni Ann Badovinac, 63, of Arcadia, Florida, passed away on November 2, 2025, in Punta Gorda, Florida. She was born on October 7, 1962, in El Paso, Texas. Toni grew up in a large and loving military family, the daughter of the late Col. Nick John Badovinac Jr. and the late Algie May Didlaukies. As her father’s Army career took the family around the world, she spent her childhood in many places around the US, from San Francisco to Kentucky to Maryland, on the island of Puerto Rico, and abroad in Germany. In her adult years Toni spent a lot of time with her father and his extended family in Pueblo, Colorado. In her later years she made her home in Arcadia and Lakeland, Florida. Of all the places around the world that she lived, Arcadia became the place she loved the most. She was a cherished part of the downtown Arcadia community and will be remembered as a pillar of kindness, creativity, and generosity. Over the years, Toni worked in customer service and hospitality, managing bed and breakfasts, antique stores, a bowling pro shop, and several Dollar Generals. In every role, she brought warmth, compassion, and genuine joy to those around her. A talented and creative soul, Toni expressed herself through stained glass, poetry, and art of every kind. She loved her days spent with her beloved German shepherd, Bella, who went everywhere with her whether she was working in her antique shop, visiting friends downtown, or enjoying the simple beauty of Arcadia. Toni was also a devoted caretaker, lovingly caring for paternal grandmother Mary Badovinac, as well as her mother, Algie, and stepfather, Wolf Didlaukies, during her mother’s final years. Above all else, her greatest passion was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Toni’s life was defined by empathy and service to others. A free spirit and self-described nomad, she devoted herself to helping anyone in need. Her passing occurred while she was doing what she so often did -- helping someone when no one else would. She made everyone feel seen, cared for, and loved, and had an unmatched gift for turning strangers into family. She is survived by her sons, Nikael (Laura) and Blake (Montana); cherished grandchildren, Luke and Morganne (“Ace”); brothers, Nickey Joe (Sally), Steven, John (Nicole), and Chris; sister, Mary; and stepfather, Wolf. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jacqueline; parents, Col. Nick John Badovinac Jr. and Algie May Didlaukies. Toni also leaves behind her loyal dog, Bella, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her deeply. Toni will be remembered as a loving, kind, and radiant soul whose compassion left an enduring mark on everyone she met. Her community in Arcadia continues to honor her memory with flowers, art, and a celebration of life gathering at her favorite spot along the Peace River. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery, 1706 Roselawn Rd., Pueblo, CO, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

Toni Ann Badovnac

October 7, 1962 - November 2, 2025