Monika Bonacci

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4

My mother, Monika (Voigt) Bonacci, of Fort Edward, NY, formerly of Feura Bush, NY, has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior. Monika passed away on February 6th, 2026, at the age of 62, in our home with me; my husband; my uncle, her brother; and my father, by her side. Her pain and suffering have ended, and she is now at peace. My mother courageously battled breast cancer for 17 years, determined to enjoy life for as long as she was able. Recently, cancer, along with spinocerebellar ataxia, robbed her of her independence and much of her joy, yet she remained unwavering in her faith through her final moments.

My mother was born on July 29, 1963, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Walter and Waltraud Voigt. The daughter of parents who immigrated from Germany, Monika grew up speaking fluent German and traveled to Germany as a child. From a young age, Monika developed a deep love of and talent for art, creating beautiful paintings and handcrafted pieces. She was also an avid gardener, finding great joy in landscaping her home and tending to her vegetable garden each summer. And she loved the beach; she loved the beach so much. My mother found a strong and meaningful community at Solid Rock Family Church, where she cherished both worship and fellowship.

The kitchen was truly the heart of my mother's home. Every meal she prepared was made from scratch, and always with love. She had a generous spirit and cared deeply for others, often showing up during difficult times with a warm meal or baked good. My mom taught me how to host, how to welcome people into my home with open arms, how to create a warm and inviting space, and how to celebrate even small occasions in a special way.

Monika was predeceased by her father, Walter Voigt; her sister, Gabriele Voigt; her father-in-law, William Bonacci Sr.; and her first husband and soulmate, James Avery. She is survived by her mother, Waltraud Voigt; me, her daughter, Andrea Bonacci Baxter, and my husband, her son-in-law, Daniel Baxter; her brother, Gary Voigt, and his wife, Angela; her niece, Sarah Voigt; her mother-in-law, Angelina Zampella Reed; my father, John Bonacci; and many beloved family members and cherished friends.

My husband and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rufus Collea, Andrea Breen, Meg Guzda, and the incredible team at NYOH; Dr. Boris Shkolnik; Natasha Etienne; Michael Schaeffer; Dr. Noelle Stevens, and the compassionate team members, and nurses at High Peaks Hospice who helped to care for my mother during her final days. Thank you all for the exceptional care, kindness, and support you showed to my mother and our family throughout her illness and during her passing.

We would like to thank my mother's brother, Uncle Gary, for coming from Tennessee to be by his sister's side during the last nine days of her life. We would also like to thank our incredible support system of family and friends who visited my mother, helped us care for her in our home, fed us, prayed with us, and those who sent gifts and words of comfort to us from afar. We are forever grateful for your love and presence in our lives.

Calling hours will be held at Solid Rock Family Church at 1 Kenwood Ave. Glenmont, NY on Saturday, February 14th from 11am - 1pm, with funeral service to follow immediately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in my mother's memory to the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation, the New York Cancer Foundation, or the National Ataxia Foundation.