Potsdam: Mrs. Tonette M. Wheelock (better known as Toni), 48, a current resident of Potsdam, NY, passed away late Saturday evening, July 13, 2013 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY. Toni was born on June 16, 1965 in Cortland, NY. She was raised in Canastota and received her education in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill school system. She moved to Ilion, where she raised her children; then to Cherry Valley, and ultimately, Potsdam. She was a strong caring and loving woman who adored her children. She was very understanding and generous. Toni had a great love for helping people, working with children and the elderly. She loved animals, music, and especially enjoyed gardening which allowed her to be outdoors. Toni is survived by her husband, best friend and soul mate, Larry Wheelock; her children, Kristy Buhaj, Stacy Buhaj, Matthew Buhaj, and Kelsey Buhaj; her father, John Tomaso and his wife Pam and their daughter Sady, her mother Marlyn VanDreason and her husband Jack; a sister Gina Relyea and her husband Brian and their children, Brian and Kayla; and her uncle, Scott King. Lord, please accept my wife and love, Toni, into your arms. Guard her, protect her, and love her as I have (now and forever)...Amen Mom, you've been the greatest mother to me Teaching me many things that others never see And so I write to you this very day That the Lord may bless you in very way Mother is strong Mother is love Mother is caring Mother is the rock Mother is your best friend Mother is the true love Mother is heart Mother is beautiful A mother's love is never ending It never judges It never discriminates It's always there In your heart you'll find A mother's love A mother's love will never leave you No matter what you do A mother's love will protect you This I know is true Even when a mother is gone They'll always live on Mother's are special Mother's are nice Mothers should be cherished And shown in the best of light Mothers will always be there Even when you feel alone Our earthly loss is always a heavenly gain Although our hearts hurt and mourn in humanly pain The fact still remains the same That heaven has gained more love To sprinkle down from above Love is stronger than death, even though it can't stop death from happening. But no matter how hard death tries, it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 10 AM to 11 AM at Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY. Toni's funeral will take place at the conclusion of the calling hour at 11 AM officiated by the Reverend Peter Scott. Procession will follow to Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion, where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of floral offerings, those wishing may contribute to the Tonette M. Wheelock Memorial Fund. Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Director, is serving the family.