I remember Mona's classroom as a safe space for kids that didn't necessarily fit well anywhere else in the high school universe. I remember her snarky sense of humor and her appreciation of art whether it was in the Louvre or a Betty Boop cartoon. You will be missed!
To Mona's Family,
I am Bonnie Haugen's twin sister Connie. The times I spent with Mona were some of the most fun and memorable times. She could walk into any room and brighten it up with her smile and winning personality. She spent a few week-ends at our cabin with us. Last summer in particular we had such a great week-end. The weather was beautiful and spent lazy days talking and enjoying her company. Before she left that week-end she said can I bring my mom, she would love it here. Mona was like that, always thinking of her family and friends.
I had the pleasure of seeing Mona the week before she passed away. She was at Bonnie and Rogers for dinner. We were leaving for Hawaii the next day. She was so excited talking about moving back to Burnsville, and all the substitute teaching she was doing. She was so full of joy at the thought of the changes she was making in her life and so looking forward to the future. Mona also came to pick us up at the airport when it was only 30 below zero. She was always a trooper!!!
Bonnie told me Mona had given her a picture she had painted for our cabin. When Mona was at the cabin last summer, we had discussed a painting for the wall and Mona said she would paint something for us. Well you know how it goes sometimes, we always say we are going to do do something and then time never allows it. Well sure enough when Mona moved back to Burnsville she gave Bonnie the painting she had done for us. That would be another one of Mona's great attributes, her thoughtfullness and strong convictions. When she says and does things it was always with gusto!!!! Although I have not seen the painting yet, I know it is something our family will treasure always.
As I have read this site, it truly shows the kind of person Mona was. From her students, faculty and friends, she has left a mark in everyones heart. Mona taught real life lessons to many people and I know for one I am a better person for knowing her.
Mona - Thanks for the memories
Love you
Connie Doom
I remember how full of energy Mona always was. And how she really cared about people and really wanted to know you. I remember how she called me Miss Longhenry. I miss you Mona.
I have so many memories of Mona, but I will share the last 1 I have of her. It was Super Bowl Sunday and Bonnie's Birthday. We had all gotten together for breakfast to celebrate. Mona was full of smiles and laughter. She looked really happy. Mona and I decided to see a movie after (killing time before the Big game started) We yacked and yacked all through the previews. She was so happy with how her life was going and it really showed. Mona wasn't a big fan of football, but we asked her to come over with everybody to watch the game and have dinner, she asked me if she could paint my bathroom or clean my windows instead of watch football. She had such great sarcastic humor, we all laughed. Once we started teaching her about the game, 1st downs, turn overs etc...she really started to enjoy it. Before we knew it she was standing up in front of the TV cheering on the Giants like we all were and really having fun. That was the last time I saw Mona. I just wish I would have done or said more then just hugging her goodbye and finding out when she was going to be in town again. She has taught me a huge lesson. Don't sweat the small and materialistic stuff. Leave for work or the store etc, with no regrets because you might not get a chance to say you're sorry over something trivial.
Miss you Monie!
