Ellen Monaghan Obituary

Ellen Monaghan June 19, 1939 ~ Oct. 21, 2008 Resident of Lafayette Beloved wife of Emmet; mother of Kathleen, Walnut Creek and Thomas (Ingrid), Lafayette. Ellen passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, following a valiant fight with cancer. Born in Canandaigua, NY to Edward and Pauline Barber McCarthy, she was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy, and the State University of New York at Oswego. Married April 4, 1964, to Emmet Monaghan, also of Canandaigua. They resided in Fairport, NY following marriage, where she taught fifth grade in nearby schools. In 1976 the family moved to Walnut Creek, then to Lafayette in 1998. Following her children's high school graduations, she accepted a position at Carondelet High School, Concord, as college and career counselor, later heading the department. An active member of St. Mary Parish, Walnut Creek, Ellen was a Eucharistic Minister for many years. She also served on the Stewardship Committee, the Parish Council and ministered to the elderly and ill. She supported many charitable and educational organizations financially, and with many, many hours of her time. Ellen had a wide circle of devoted friends; she enjoyed entertaining, travel, good food and theatre. She was "best friends" with her children and the great love of her husband, Emmet. Survivors, in addition to Emmet, Kathleen, Tom and his wife Ingrid, include her sister Carol (Carl) Cimino of Canandaigua, NY; sister-in-law Seana Pangia of Vallejo and numerous nieces and nephews. A service celebrating Ellen's life will be held at St. Mary's Church, Walnut Creek on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. A private committal service of cremated remains will take place at the immediate family's convenience. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in her memory to Kaiser Hospice, 200 Muir Rd., Martinez, CA 94553, or the Wellness Community, www.twcba.org.

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Published by Contra Costa Times from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Monaghan

Sponsored by anonymous.

8 Entries

John Burke

November 29, 2008

Mrs. Monaghan I know you have Brought your joy and wisedom into more lives that you could ever imagine

I had the opportunity to talk with Mrs. Monagahan a few times while My crew and I were working at the Monaghan residence a over this last summer.
Mrs. Monaghan had just learned about her condition but her spirits were very high and she shared with me what was she and her family were going through.

The conversations we shared were not very long but they were as real as any I have ever experienced.
Mrs. Monaghan was very optimistic about the final out come what lay ahead. She realized that Her Faith was out of her hands, which seemed to set her free, knowing that she had been blessed repeatedly through out her life.

We talked about our families and she reminded me to enjoy my children (Kieran (7) and Molly (3)) and how fast they grow up. I believe that everybody that one comes across along this road of life has something to offer and Mrs. Monaghan certainly taught me a lot. She loved her Family beyond words and the one thing that bothered her was that if she was to pass away she did not want here family to be in pain after she moved on.
She wanted them to remember all the great time they shared and the countless times they laugh and Love that she had for her husband and children. I always walked away from our conversations enlightened by her spirit and I feel very blessed that our paths crossed.
It is so easy to get caught up in work day after day and just take life for granted; she gave me a new perspective on my own life of which I will be forever grateful.

As I already said I only knew Mrs. Monaghan for a very short time but her love for the life she had shared with the man of her dreams and her children, has made me a better husband and father. I would like to Thank you Mrs. Monaghan from Lisa my wife, Kieran & Molly my children and from their father and their mothers husband.

My hearth goes out to your loved ones left behind. Death is not easy for anyone, but I know they realize that your Spirit will always surround them.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to have had the chance to meet with you and Mr. Monahan. You both are one the good guys in a world, a world that needs as many as possible. Your legacy will live on by the hundreds or thousands of lives you have touched along the way.

May God bless you and yours?

John, Lisa, Kirean & Molly Burke
$812 Joelle Dr,
Concord

Filomena (Chickie) Fiorentino Ernst

November 2, 2008

I was a high school classmate of Ellen and we were cheerleaders. She
was such a fun and caring person

Donna & Rene Jerez

October 29, 2008

With deep love and respect we send our heartfelt sympathy to the entire "Monaghan Family". Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you at this sad time. The Monaghan's have been our wonderful neighbors for many, many years. We will truly miss Ellen's terrific holiday parties and her wondeful smile and great love for all.
While Ellen was ill her and I shared a special bond and I will never forget her kind words and encourangement to me and my family, during our difficult time.

Love, Donna & Rene

Mary & Vito D'Addabbo

October 29, 2008

Deepest sympathy from Mary and Vito. Ellen was a very special gracious lady and will be missed by all. We will miss her at the 4:30 Mass each Saturday.

Janet Van Gelder

October 28, 2008

I know that Ellen was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by her family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Classmate of Ellen's. Canandaigua Academy, Class of 1957...

Annette (Muscato) Vitalone

October 28, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I send my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all members of Ellen's family.

I graduated with Ellen in the Class of 1957, Canandaigua Academy.

Carol Scammell Pierce

October 28, 2008

Our deepest sympathy goes to your family. You are in our prayers.

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