Barbara L. Tonnessen of Mattituck died at home on March 11, 2024. She was 71.
Born on Jan. 11, 1953, in Staten Island, to Joan (Tolnes) and Trygve M. Tonnessen, she was one of two children. She graduated from Curtis High School on Staten Island with the Class of 1970 and later attended Wagner College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree.
She had a diverse career, working in set design for TV commercials, shows, major motion pictures and series. She was a proud union worker and had an intimate knowledge of New York City. She was also in charge of the floral arrangements for the major churches in the city during one Christmas. Her family said she was a true New Yorker, known for her voice and laugh, her love for people and cultures, and her energy and creativity.
In addition to her work in set design, Tonnessen lived in Kenya with giraffes, lived on a houseboat in Manhattan, and owned a small house goods store — Main Road Home — in Cutchogue. She was also known for fostering and rehabilitating street dogs.
She is survived by her brother Peter Tonnessen of Arkansas; niece Britt Tonnessen (and her husband Zane Jones, along with a baby girl on the way) of Alaska; and nephew Karl Tonnessen (and his two daughters) of Montana.
The family has chosen to remember Barbara’s life privately at this time. DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.
