September 17, 1944 - January 4, 2024
Surrounded by her family, Donna Mae Monaco entered into eternal peace on January 4, 2024 at the age of 79 after a courageous second battle with cancer.
She was born September 17, 1944 in her proud city of Buffalo, New York to parents John and Carmela Hadaway. Donna graduated from Grover Cleveland High school. After graduating, Donna spent much of her time volunteering at the American Red Cross, traveling with close friends and later entered the workplace as a dental secretary in Buffalo.
On August 12, 1967 Donna married her sixth grade sweetheart, Anthony J. Monaco. Together they were blessed with three beautiful children, Christopher, Anthony and Janine. Donna was a devoted, loving, kind hearted, compassionate wife and mother and was always there for her family.
On November 6, 1984, Donna and Anthony embarked on their new life together traveling 3000 miles to Stockton, California after being relocated by General Mills. Donna made an unforgettable impact on the lives of so many children during her 22 year career at John R. Williams Elementary school where she worked as a special education aide, office secretary, yard, lunch and bus supervisor. Donna was known as “the jack of all trades.” To this day, Donna has students that are now grown adults that still speak of her kindness and compassion.
Donna treasured her time with her grandchildren and loved being their “grammy whammy,” never failing to make them smile. She loved spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals for her family, carrying on traditions and making memories that will live in all our hearts forever. Donna was always happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Special times were spent together during cozy pajama parties, watching movies, playing games, reading books, and singing songs. All nine grandchildren always looked forward to grandma's treats, known to them as “grandma's goodies.”
Outside of spending time with her family and friends, she enjoyed traveling, dining out, watching movies, listening to her favorite performer—Andrea Bocelli—and, most importantly, spending time with her beloved dog, Sicily.
Donna is survived by her husband Anthony J. Monaco, her children Christopher (Pauline) Monaco, Anthony R. Monaco, and Janine (Louis) Perez. She is survived by her grandchildren, Nicholas, Mario, Dominic, Gianna, and Vincent Monaco, Isabella, Mia, Sofia, and Julia Perez. She was also blessed with great grandchildren, Tatiana and Liliana. Donna is also survived by her brother Harry (Sharon) Hadaway, and sister in laws Eileen Hadaway and Marie (Thomas) Dulak, in addition to many nieces and nephews that were very special to her.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents John and Carmela Hadaway, brother Bill Hadaway, sister Elaine (Jerry) Brady, father in law Anthony (Jacqueline) Monaco, sister in law Madeline (John) DiChristina, daughter in law Camille Monaco, and beloved nephews Billy Hadaway, Jeffrey Hadaway, Kevin Brady , and Thomas Dulak.
Your golden heart will never be forgotten!
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 1:00pm - 7:00pm with a rosary starting at 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at the Church of the Presentation, located at 6715 Leesburg Place, Stockton, CA 95207. Donna will be laid to rest at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, located at 719 E Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Monaco family.