Judith Ellen "Judi" Monson

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend - Judith Ellen Monson (Judi) who passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Brewer, Maine, on May 20, 1941, to the late Katherine and Earl Monson, Judi grew up in Caribou, Maine, surrounded by strong family roots, love, and laughter that shaped the remarkable woman she became. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, DeDe Monson, and her cherished son-in-law, Shawn Diniz Sr. Judi is survived by her loving brother, Greg Monson, with whom she shared countless treasured conversations and memories, along with his wife, Cathy, who held a special place in her heart.

Judi was a devoted and loving mother whose heart and pride were her four children: Dede Gregory (husband Jack Gregory), Robert Massie (wife Heather Massie), Cathy Nasatka (husband Kenneth Nasatka), and Stephanie Diniz. She raised her children with unwavering love, faith, and determination-on her own, instilling in them the values of resilience, compassion, and the importance of family, all of which they have carried into their own lives and families.

Her love extended far beyond her children. She was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who filled her days with laughter and joy: Shannon Gregory, Cassandra Skillin, Andrew Gregory, Katie Massie, Summer Bauer, Sami Simmons, Tyler Larson, Antonio Madarang, Ariana Cornwell, Shawn Diniz Jr., Sierra Dove, and Samantha Diniz. Her adored great-grandchildren include Lily, Savannah, Teagan, Tatum, Weston, Colton, Brantley, Remington, Paisley, River, McKayla, Morgan, Everett, Hadley, Shawn Diniz III, Syrus, Ariya, Jayce, and Saylor, Aubrey. She embraced every member of her family with unconditional love, including all the husbands and wives of her children and grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness and lit up her days.

Judi's greatest joy was spending time with her loved ones' family cookouts at Jack and Dede's, sleepovers with her grandchildren, bike rides at Quiet Waters Park, days at the beach, painting Christmas ornaments, and countless other family adventures. She treasured her conversations with her cousins Patty and Brenda in Maine, which kept her close to her roots. She found happiness in life's simplest moments-whether in person or through FaceTime-and she never missed an opportunity to share stories, laughter, prayers, and her amazing sense of humor with those she loved most.

Those blessed to know her will remember Judi as a safe place, a guiding light, and a fierce yet gentle soul-a woman who faced hardship with courage, whose presence brought comfort, and whose smile could brighten even the heaviest of days. Her many friends, who became like family over the years, will forever carry the memory of her warmth, wisdom, and loyalty in their hearts.

To her family, Judi was more than a mother, she was their hero, their guide, and their heart. She was both mother and father, a shining example of strength, grace, and endless love. Her legacy lives on in each of us through the kindness she showed, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely. Her family takes comfort in knowing that, in her final moments, she was surrounded by love and peacefully turned her life over into the arms of Jesus.

Though her absence leaves an ache that words cannot fill, her legacy of love will continue to guide us and all who knew her. In keeping with her wishes, her family will honor her with a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Judi by loving your family deeply, offering kindness freely, and carrying strength with grace-just as she did every day of her life.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of our family. Her love was-and always will be-without end.

Forever in our hearts, until we meet again. We love you too, the Moon and Back!