By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The centenarian who was selected to be Hard Rock Casino’s first official guest and honorary “Queen” for a day when it opens this summer has died at age 101.
Antoinette Lamia died April 18, and her funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Delehanty Funeral Home with burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Hard Rock released a video tribute on Wednesday to share the news of her passing.
“Hard Rock Casino Rockford is saddened to learn an honorary member of our band passed away,” Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford, said in a statement. “Rockford centenarian, Antoinette Lamia, a lover of life, laughter and the one-millionth visitor to our temporary casino location, embodied the Hard Rock spirit.
“She lived life in the moment, celebrating her 101st birthday at the casino last fall. Our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family and friends. She will forever be our Queen of Hearts.”
Lamia celebrated both her 100th and 101st birthdays at Hard Rock’s interim casino at 610 N. Bell School Road. She was due to play a prominent role in its guitar smashing ceremony and opening near Labor Day of the “big joint” at 7801 E. State St.
Lamia told us in January that about 20 years ago she and her daughter and granddaughter started going to casinos to jointly celebrate their nearby birthdays. Travel got increasingly difficult as she aged, but seemingly just in time A Hard Rock Opening Act started its run here.
“Hard Rock is one of the favorite casinos around the world, so we’re very lucky to get it,” she said in an interview at the time.
She was the youngest of nine children, all who lived to be at least 90. She was also a mother of three and a grandmother and great-grandmother.
“It’s kind of exciting to be known as Queen Antoinette,” she said in January when it was announced she would be the first guest. “Queen for a day. I’ve had fun with it.”
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the day of services.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas