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Wife, mother, grandmother, friend and advocate for social justice Passed away Saturday, September 28, 2013. Born September 27, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN. Attended St Anthony High School, St. Catherine's University and earned a B.A. from the University of Minnesota while raising six children with her husband Art. Monica was a founder of the battered women's movement and a tireless advocate for women and children. In 1974 she was one of the collective of women who started Women's Advocates, the first shelter for battered women in the country. Successfully advocating for change in federal housing regulations, she created access to funding for the construction of shelters and transitional housing for women. Through her work, Monica formed lifelong friendships. Survived by husband Arthur Erler, children Stephen (Pam), John (Denise), Mary, David (Michelle), and Jeremy. Grandchildren; Ben, Leo, Michael, Daniel, Aileen, Rory, Joseph, Louis, Justin and Emma. Great Grandchildren; Sean, Caitlin, Max, Eloa, Adonis, Adrian, Madden, Jack, Henry and Owen. Preceded in death by parents John and Catherine Cavanagh, siblings Catherine, Leo and Margaret, and her son Laurence. Service at Spirit of St. Stephen's Community, 2201 1st Ave S, Mpls on Saturday Oct 5 at 3:00 pm. Memorials preferred to the donor's favorite charity.
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Blessings to all. To Monica, long-time friend, to Art, good friend and to all the greater Erler family. I will miss visiting with Monica. Love, Debora Schak
October 15, 2013
Art,
I'm very sorry to hear about Monica's death. What a great woman! Her concern and advocacy for others is a model for us to follow. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss.
John Marty
October 6, 2013
I just learned of her death when I read her obituary in today's Strib. I worked with Monica on the McCarthy campaign in 1968 and I remember her well and fondly. She worked hard, kept smiling, and she thought about things. Her life was intentional and disciplined. I am honored to have know her.
Thomas Barrett
October 6, 2013
Art and Family:
Neil and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Monica. She was a great feminist pioneer and a wonderful human being.
Neil and Janet Dieterich
October 5, 2013
Art and family- Monica was a tireless, relentless, and cheerful advocate for battered women. It was a privilege to work with her on obtaining Section 8 rental subsidies for Women's Advocates. I will long remember and miss Monica. Bob Odman
October 5, 2013
The Irish of the Irish. Roots in Corcoran. Great cousin. Sr. Donald Corcoran, OSB Windsor New York
October 4, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alexa Kane
October 4, 2013
Dear David, Michelle, Emma and family,
Monica was an amazing woman. Her contributions to battered women, ending domestic violence and making the our community a better place will always be remembered.
In sympathy, Rebecca McLane and family
Rebecca McLane
October 3, 2013
Art, Mary and family. My thoughts are with you all. What a tremendous gift Monica was to so many different communities. What a pleasure it was to work with Monica first in the Wounded Knee Defense/ Offense Commiittee and NASC era and later at Women's Advocates.
Karen Northcott
October 3, 2013
Dear Erler's,
Monica's work was so important and her legacy will live on. What a gift she has been to our community!
Cheryl Kartes
October 3, 2013
Dear Erlers,
What a mighty woman Monica was, we were honoured to know her! We so wish we could be with you on Saturday to celebrate a wonderful and meaningful life. We treasure our visit in May! Love and condolences to all of you, we'll be there in spirit. Mary and Sean O'Driscoll, Cork, Ireland
October 3, 2013
Dear Family and Art. My surrogate family.!!!!!!!! We will be there with you on the day. Art I am so sorry for your loss, we love all of you.... Humphrey Family....ps... We hope you can continue to knit. With Love Martha
Martha Humphrey/Lanz
October 2, 2013
Dear Art and family, you will be remembered in our prayers here at Sinsinawa especially this week. I have so many fond memeories of Monica over all these years as far back as your wedding day and visits as well as family gatherings over the years. May she be rejoicing in heaven. Love and prayers, S. Susanne
October 2, 2013
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