She’s remembered as a champion for the downtrodden
By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
For many years, Sidonia “Toni” Duplessis gave a bright smile – and hope – to whomever walked through her door.
Duplessis, the long-time driving force behind Burlington’s St. Vincent de Paul agency before it closed, died Dec. 6 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.
She was 84.
Over the years, Duplessis was recognized by many for her work within the community – most recently in 2010 as “Humanitarian of the year” for the Rotary Club of Burlington.
Her loss will be keenly felt, said Dena Corey of Love Inc., an independent, community-based social service agency
“Toni was the most generous, sweetest person to work with,” Corey explained in a statement. “Her loss will be greatly felt throughout the community.”
Duplessis served as the manager of St. Vincent de Paul from 1985 until August of 2007 when she retired. She started as a volunteer at a local Goodwill agency and moved a short time later to St. Vincent de Paul.
When Duplessis was honored by the Rotary Club in 2010, many spoke out to her generosity – both in spirit and in action, according to a story that appeared in the Standard Press at the time.
Her daughter, Donna (Missy) McWilliams, said that Duplessis cautioned others not to judge people who came to the agency for help.
“She’d say, ‘You don’t know their stories,’” McWilliams recalled, “and ‘It’s not for you to judge.’”
Love Inc. Executive Director Bill Schoessling recalled meeting Duplessis shortly after he took the Love Inc. job in 2003, saying she gave him a hug and pledged that the two organizations would work together.
St. Vincent de Paul closed shortly after Duplessis’ retirement in 2007. McWilliams thought her mother’s willpower kept the agency afloat.
“She left and it just couldn’t stand without her,” McWilliams said.
McWilliams also said her mother seemed to grow a bigger spirit as she grew older – “her heart seemed to just keep on growing.” But she wouldn’t take the credit.
“She always said she was just doing God’s work,” McWilliams explained.
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