Rochester, NY - Tonia Marie Risse, 49 of Magee Avenue, Rochester NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 while at work at Suny Brockport. Born in Cambridge, NY, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Charlotte (Bohne) Risse of Salem, NY. Tonia graduated from Salem Washington Academy where she excelled and was a member of the National Honor Society. Tonia was also a member of 4-H where she showed Angus cattle and won several showmanship awards at county and state fairs.

Tonia attended Suny Oswego where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. After graduation, Tonia lived in Buffalo for 8 years, during which time she worked for HSBC Bank, then as a home healthcare aid, and then as an admissions recruiter for Bryant & Stratton College. In 2006, Tonia got a job as a Financial Aid Advisor at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY. After two years there, Tonia moved to Rochester NY where she worked at SUNY Brockport as a Financial Aid advisor. Tonia found employment where she could help others most satisfying.

Tonia is survived by her Platonic Life Partner, Ralph Ernest Henderson; her aunt, Melinda Risse Nutter; two cousins, Katie and Jonathan Nutter and a second cousin, Dieter Koop in Germany. Tonia had a myriad of friends who were very dear to her heart.

Tonia grew up loving nature and had two dogs, Lady Wigglesworth and Mr. Dill E. Pickles who were near and dear to her. She also had a cat, Junnipurr! Tonia was also a diehard Buffalo Bills fan.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 3:30 pm at the Evergreen Cemetery (the new section) in Salem, NY.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Tonia may be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Rd. Fairport, NY 14450.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Tonia, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc., in Salem, NY.