Mona was an awesome cousin! It's weird that she became a teacher at the very same school I graduated from way back in 1983. I remember Aunt Bonnie & Uncle Elmer's house...always FULL of people...full of love. I remember Mona always taking time out for me...I was a much younger, pain in the butt cousin. They had this old bus.....that I thought was the coolest thing ever!!! I remember Mona and Cathleen playing in it with my sisters and me. Matt, Eddie and Keith were way "too cool" to play in the bus!!! Those are some of the best memories! When my brother, Keith was suddenly taken from us in 1980..I remember Mona comforting me...she was so strong!!!! I know Mona and Keith and my Mom are together now...
We haven't been in touch for years, but I thank you, Mona for the WONDERFUL memories you gave to me. You will NEVER be forgotten. Love, Kathy
I remember being her magical fairy in middle school. We got the name because I made sure anything was put away (somewhat) I came in one day to tell her that I was going to apply to the Art Institute in Minnesota. At Christmas I got my acceptance letter. Thanks to her helpful words of encouragement.
Mona came into my life in the usual way. We both taught at Prior Lake and lived in Wisconsin. She and I commuted together from the Baldwin park and ride to Prior Lake for about 3 months. Mona's energy and excitement for life and teaching was so infectious that even on the days when I was dog tired at the end of the day and wanted quiet time she would share her day and I would end up smiling when the ride came to an end. It was always too soon. Mona has the gift of telling stories. When she quit at Prior Lake we kind of went our ways yet we would see each other at a car show here and there or a birthday party.
Then last March I was ushering for communion. The chior was returning to their seats when I heard MIKEY!!. Here was a woman with brown and blonde hair.... with a purple streak. Arms open and headed straight for me. She came back into my life in and unusual way. We had a wonderful hug in the front of the church. She told me about how her life had changed. But she was still the bright, energetic, wonderful Mona to me! Over the next few months we would get together and she would tell me about life. We shared faith stories, cried a few times and laughed alot of times. This fall she got back in the saddle, started teaching again. Sometimes life comes full circle. She subbed at Prior Lake a number of times and when she did we always got together and chatted. As usual it was Mona doing most of the talking, she is soooo good at it. It always left me energized. The last time I saw her was the Friday before she went home. We had made plans for her to stay at our house on Sunday night the 18th of Feb. But God had other plans. That Friday she headed out my door down the hallway pulling the new wheeled tote bag she had just bought. Somehow it was so Mona. But she was happy again. It was the "old" Mona who was full of life that walked out my door and into God's arms. Heaven is a much better place now that she is home.
I will always feel blessed for the times she graced my life and I look forward to seeing her again. I can't wait to hear the stories from her life in heaven. But knowing Mona, there will be a large crowd for her to tell them too.
See you Moo.
I am an art teacher at Baldwin-Woodville school. I was so shocked to see Mona's obituary in the newspaper while at school. We took many graduate classes together at UW-River Falls and supported each other through the task of getting our Masters program completed. If only I had kept in contact with her when she left Woodville to keep our friendship alive. God and I love you Mona!
