Mona J. VanGilder

Mona Jean Urse VanGilder, lovingly known as “Dames” to family and close friends, passed to eternal life peacefully in Leesburg, VA, on June 15, 2025, at the age of 88.

Mona was born at home and raised in Fairmont, WV, where her parents owned several local businesses, including the Eastland Theater, where she spent much of her youth working. She later attended Fairmont State College to study education and began her career as an elementary school teacher before marrying the love of her life and husband of 54 years, Charles Wesley “Bud”VanGilder, Jr.Mona and Bud settled in Leesburg with their young family, which became their longtime home.

Mona was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren. She spent 36 years lovingly caring for their special daughter, Johna, with unwavering dedication. Mona loved to cook, especially for her family, who will always remember the warmth of her home, especially the kitchen, and her famous spaghetti and meatballs, and generous servings of food. She enjoyed playing the piano and, later in life, found joy in simply listening to others in her family play on her childhood piano. Mona had a sharp wit and loved a good joke—her sense of humor brought laughter to everyone around her. She cherished life’s simple comforts, especially a good backscratch, and was always ready with a listening ear, happy to chat about anything and everything, especially on the telephone.

Mona was a lifelong Catholic and a longstanding member of St. John the Apostle Church.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Wesley VanGilder, Jr; her daughter, Johna VanGilder; her parents, John Urse and Mary Morrone Urse; brothers John Urse Jr and Richard Urse; and sister Rosemary Pasqual.

Mona is survived by her sons, Jeffrey VanGilder (Katie) and Bradley VanGilder (Melissa); her brother, Robert Urse (Mary Francis); grandchildren Cassandra VanGilder, Krista Regan (Eddie), Jordan VanGilder (Carolina), Taylor VanGilder, JC VanGilder, and Chaz VanGilder (Brittnee); and great-grandchildren, Kourtlyn Merryweather, Calvin VanGilder, Liliana VanGilder, Oliver VanGilder, Odin Regan, Louie VanGilder, Ariella VanGilder, Amelia VanGilder, Hattie VanGilder & Logan VanGilder.

She will be remembered for her warm heart, deep faith, love of laughter, and the devotion she poured into her family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Heritage Hall in Leesburg where Mona was cared for with kindness, compassion, and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Mona’s memory with an act of kindness or caring for someone in need.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18, from 6:00-8:00p at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, VA. A mass and funeral service will be held at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church at 10:00a on Thursday, June 19.