Althea Robnett was a native St. Louisan who grew up in the city and often spent time in Meacham Park with her family. She attended Sumner High School while her beloved brother Eugene Robnett became a well-known Golden Glove boxer. She married a soldier, Jose Adolfo Nadal of Ponce, Puerto Rico, bringing eight children to this world, including Cecilia, Jose , Miguel, Ricardo, Anita, Juan, and Rosa. Together they were married for 24 years and lived in Massachusetts, Florida, the Canal Zone in Panama and in Puerto Rico.
After having eight children Althea graduated from InterAmerican University in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico with honors in psychology and was an award-winning dancer specializing in salsa and merengue. Althea engaged all of her children in actively appreciating music. She wrote several songs which were published. Althea worked for the University City Public School system as an educator and was very popular with the children and her peers. She was most fond of her work with Down-syndrome youth and contributed to the education of many professionals and leaders.
Althea later married Orell Stoner, also a soldier with whom she remained married for 24 years living in University City. Orell allowed the love of his life to be herself, a fun-loving “gyspy” adored by everyone who met her. Their favorite pastime was dining out..
Althea leaves many grandchildren to mourn the loss of her laughter and free spirit. These include state Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Jose, Miguel, Dakota, Tucker, Zoë, Dominic, Juan Jr., Quentin, Brittany, Amber, Nicholas and Nicole.