Maria Monroy

Maria Monroy, beloved “Nana” to her entire family, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 27, 2011 in the St. Helena home she had been living in since 1941. Her husband, Raymond Monroy, Sr., with whom she celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year, was at her bedside at the time of her passing. She was 94.

Born January 6, 1917, in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Maria married Raymond Monroy Sr. on September 14, 1941 and moved from La Paz two weeks later to begin her new life in St. Helena in the home her husband built. She would reminisce that when she first saw Main Street and the electroliers with their three large white globes of light shining brightly and lining both sides of Main Street, the sight delighted and enchanted her.

Maria was crowned Queen of the Carnaval in La Paz, Mexico in 1934, at age 17. Her beauty was evident all of her life, especially when she smiled and laughed. She had a wonderful sense of humor and lots of energy which are great assets for raising seven children. Quite the cook and baker, “Ma” always had goodies for the children (and grandchildren) when they arrived home from school. She enjoyed working in her garden growing flowers and vegetables surrounded by her faithful cats; no stray was ever turned away.

A big fan of the San Francisco Giants; she never missed a game and was thrilled when the Giants won the World Series. It was an endearing sight to watch her root for her favorite team while wearing her “Panda” hat.

A loving wife and dedicated mother, Maria provided her children with an idyllic childhood and was a consistent presence in their lives. Her support, patience and love continued until the day she passed. She was our treasure and she will be missed.

Maria is survived by her husband Raymond Monroy, Sr. and seven children: Anita (Michael Peters), Raymond, Jr. (Kathryn Monroy), William (Susan Monroy), Alicia (Curt Crowley), Mary Ann (Tim Petersen), Robert (Barbara Monroy), and Susan (Dwight Varela). Ten grandchildren: Michael Peters, Amy Hutton, Erin Monroy, Mark Monroy, Theresa Perez, Timothy Asher, Emily Petersen, Mia Petersen, Stephanie Monroy, Christopher Monroy and great-granddaughter, Ariana Rae Perez. She is also survived by two brothers, Jose Boucsieguez of San Diego, CA, and Manuel Boucsieguez of La Paz, Baja California Sur and one sister, Felicitas Boucieguez of Monterrey, Mexico.

The funeral and graveside services were officiated by Monsignor John Brenkle at the Holy Cross Chapel in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, St. Helena, Ca. Donations in her honor may be made to the Napa Valley Hospice, 414 South Jefferson Street, Napa, Ca 94559; to whom we are very grateful. Arrangements under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel, St. Helena, CA.