Monica Dolle Chiralo Major

1948 - 2023

MAJOR, Monica Dolle Chiralo, completed her journey to Our Lord on January 6, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Carcinoid Cancer and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) since 1999. She was the daughter of the late John Arnold Dolle and Lova Lea Reynolds Dolle. She is survived by her husband, Arthur Major; daughter, Monette Claire Northcutt Johnstone; grandson, Maxfield Alexander Johnstone of Seattle, Washington; sister, Merrielea Zabia Dolle of Hawaii; stepchildren, Jason Major, James Major and Lisa Krebs; and stepgrandson, Roland Krebs. She is the widow of Robert Chiralo, who preceded her in death after 31 years of marriage.

She was born in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1948 and graduated with a history major from California State University Dominguez Hills and attended Notre Dame Graduate School majoring in theology and eventually settled in Virginia, then later, Arizona. She had hundreds of books, was a voracious reader and was fluent in three languages. She was an accomplished flute and guitar player, dancer, singer and pianist. She taught piano, guitar and flute lessons to dozens and maintained close friendships with many of her former students and their families. She was a clothing designer, knitter and seamstress, making many items for friends and family and designed unique patterns and products which she sold under the "Miss Monette" label. She excelled at photography with many framed pictures around her home. Monica had a spirited personality and many fascinating life experiences including a brief time in the USAF, working at the U.S. embassy in Nigeria and much overseas travel and cruises.

She was a dedicated and determined volunteer in the Virginia Republican Party at the county and state levels, always willing to work for the causes she held dear and sponsoring many events which proved vital to her party's success. She was an enthusiastic and devout communicant of the Roman Catholic church, had an amazing - comprehensive knowledge of scripture, high standards and always demonstrated Christian values as a role model. She touched a lot of people, both directly and indirectly by thoughtful contributions and personal interactions with many including countless strangers. This was purposeful on her part – in her 60's she completed two years of Spanish language lessons at a community college just so she could communicate with and better help, the immigrant community. She was the dearest of friends, a perceptive listener and a caring and loving advisor who will be sorely missed by many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 300 N Sheppard St., Richmond, Va. 23221. A reception will follow after Mass at 12:30 p.m. at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, Va. 22032. A memorial service will be announced at a later date and time in Sun City, Ariz.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute "In honor of Monica Dolle Major" at https://www.carcinoid.org/about/contributing-to-our-foundation/.

Condolences may be shared at www.menkefuneralhome.com.