Theresa, known as “Toni” by her family and friends, passed away suddenly at home Nov. 25, 2015. She was born Theresa Ann Malinski April 17, 1935 to Frank and Ellen Malinski in Seattle, Washington. She later took the name “Davis” after her mother remarried Marion “Lee” Davis when Toni was 12. The family, which included three siblings at the time, moved to Pe Ell in 1949. Toni attended school in Pe Ell, graduating from Pe Ell High School in 1953.
Toni always loved animals, especially horses and cats. She would often be seen riding her horse around the Boistfort and Pe Ell areas with her friends and family. After graduation, she lived and worked in Chehalis until she married Ronald Senn and moved to Boistfort where they raised son, Danny and daughter, Debbie. In 1980, she married Jim Pace and moved to South Bend, where her love for cats blossomed. She volunteered at the animal shelter and began rescuing homeless cats.
She moved back to her farm in Boistfort and worked for a time as an in-home caregiver. She enjoyed riding in local parades on her beloved horse Beenie, who lived to be a ripe old age of 31 years. She frequently cared for stray and unwanted cats. She participated in numerous cat rescues as many local people knew her as “The Cat Lady” and would call on her when a cat needed help. She never really admitted to anyone just how many cats she had. She always tried to find them homes. The remaining cats at the time of her passing were taken in by family members, Feline Friends in Olympia and the Lewis County Animal Shelter in Chehalis.
Toni is survived by her two children, Danny Senn (Rose Marie) of Grandview, Washington and Debbie Senn of Juneau, Alaska; granddaughter, Nicola Senn (Mike); great-grandchildren, Makayla and Alyssa; grandson, Ricky Senn (Ashley); great-grandchildren, Kensley and Easton; sisters, Helen Willis and Mary Malinski; brothers, Jerry Davis and Steve Davis; and many nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held at the Boistfort Cemetery followed by a public memorial service to be scheduled for late spring or early summer in Boistfort.
A life sharing link has been created at: www.Never-Gone.com/Memorials/Toni.Pace for condolences and for anyone who wishes to share stories, photos, videos, etc., about Toni’s life.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the kindness and compassion extended by friends and neighbors during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Feline Friends, 2202 Cumberland Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98512 or Lewis County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 367, Chehalis, Washington 98532.
