Monica J. Gross

South Hadley- Monica J. (Cotter) Gross, 59, entered eternal rest on April 23 at home. Born in Springfield MA to the late Thomas A. Cotter and the late Julia M. Cotter. Loving wife to husband Michael J. Gross, She is also survived by sons Adam Kendra of Gresham OR and Evan Kendra of South Hadley. She also leaves behind brothers William, of Wells ME, David of Palmer, MA and Ralph of Wilbraham, MA and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by a brother Thomas, and a sister Gladys. Monica’s other loves in Life included hiking, gardening, knitting, and teaching. Monica was a graduate of University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in Nursing. She worked in many local hospitals over the years and eventually became an Instructor of a Certified Nursing Assistant Program for Massachusetts Career Development Institute (MCDI) in Springfield and then eventually Holyoke Works in Holyoke MA. She taught over a 100 classes and help graduate over a 1,000 students. Monica loved the mountains and was a member for 12 years of the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club based in Southwick, MA. Her accomplishments hiking included climbing all the 4,000-foot peaks in both Vermont (5 in total) and New Hampshire (48 in total). Also she hiked many more mountain peaks and trails through out New England and New York. She was also a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and a member of the Adirondack Mountain club. Her footsteps will be dearly missed by her hiking partner (husband) Mike. Monica loved flowers and digging in the dirt. Spring and early summer was a favorite time year when she would get flower beds prepared and hanging pots ready for flowers to decorate her home and yard for the summer. Lastly Monica loved to knit. She knitted, scarves, hats, gloves, and sweaters for family members and friends. Her knitting bag came with her everywhere she went. On many car trips she would knit as her husband drove to their destination. Family and Friends are invited to the Calling hours 4-8p.m. on Monday, April 26th at Ryder Funeral Home with a memorial service on Tuesday, April 27th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1909, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the The Trustees of Reservation, 572 Essex St. Beverly, MA 01915.