Tonia S. Hirschbuhl
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Published in January 2026
Tonia S. Hirschbuhl passed away at her home early Thursday morning December 18th, 2025, after a three-year battle with ALS. Her family and friends are deeply saddened beyond words by her death at the young age of 56.
Tonia fought hard to live as long as she could, and participated in medical trials to help study the disease, work hard to find new drugs, and do her part to find a cure. She would often travel long exhausting days to Boston, dozens of times over the years to do her part in the research. To have hope, keep hope and to give hope to future patients in this incurable, horrible disease, never once complaining. We will always honor and remember her undeniable silent strength, and will never forget her contribution to the trials.
Tonia was born July 1969 in Honolulu, HI. After a short time, the family moved back to Nantucket. Growing up, Tonia spent the summers biking, working, rollerblading, and living for Nobadeer sun filled days. Working fun seasonal jobs, hanging out at the Sylvia’s house and embodying the infamous Nantucket Summer experience through her youth. Through her High School experience at NHS Tonia was an exceptional athlete participating in Field Hockey and Gymnastics. She was known to be a tiny and determined brick house, who would eventually be dubbed “Killa Kevah” in the Inky, often setting records for the high beam, always displaying confidence and Whaler Pride.
After some traveling and some College, and maybe some more traveling… Tonia started working at the Nantucket sewing center for Cheryl Emery where she met lifelong friends and also found her calling. From there, Tonia studied upholstery and furniture restoration over the years. She became very skilled doing beautiful seamstress work, and upholstering & restoring furniture. After having her third baby on Nantucket the family moved to Woodstock VT, where Tonia would have her own Upholstery business out of their beautiful Historical classic Vermont home. However, she prided herself more than anything on being a wonderful mother to her three children. That was her pride and joy. Tonia came back to the Island in 2018 to live and be closer to family, making new friends and connections at Bodega, and the Looms as a weaver. You could catch up with her pulling shifts at the Nantucket Wine and spirits for Mary and Alana who became dear friends.
Tonia is predeceased by her father Johnny E Kever, and her beloved King Charles, Norah. Tonia is survived by her mother, Julie Kever, Tonia’s three children, Michael Hirschbuhl, age 27, graduate of Castleton University, Wade Hirschbuhl, age 24 graduate of the University of Vermont and Sarah Noel Hirschbuhl, age 23, graduate of St. Lawrence University. Tonia is also survived by two sisters, Era Brooke Kever & Callie Kever and brother-in-law Caleb Cressman. Her Nieces and Nephews: Gus, Doxia, Caleb, Orla, Isabel, Emma, Jack and Sabin. Her great nieces and nephew, Marley, Mark and Dove. Who all love her endlessly and forever.
Tonia has left a mountain of friends on Nantucket, in Vermont and we suspect a few other places around the globe, who were lucky enough to even meet her once. Tonia will forever and ever be in our hearts and will always be remembered for her strength and that 100-watt smile.
Please join us for a Church Service January 17th 2026 ~ 1:00 at the Unitarian Church, A Celebration of life will follow at the Gaslight, 3 N. Union St.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Tonia’s Name to:
CCALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574