Dolores Vallejo Monahan was born on April 3, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri and passed away peacefully on July 31, 2022 in Fresno, California. She was the daughter of Phillip Vallejo and Maria Sousa Vallejo, who both immigrated to the US from Mexico. Dolores’ first language was Spanish and she grew up in Kansas City.
She received her BS in Nursing from Avila College in Kansas City and was the first person in her family to earn a college degree.
Dolores met her husband, Patrick Monahan, Sr. at a college dance. They married on August 23, 1958 and had 5 children. When Pat started his career as an FBI agent, they lived in several states including, Florida, Kansas and Ohio. In 1978 they moved to Fresno, when Pat was appointed as an administrative law judge. Dolores went back to work in psychiatric nursing and then completed her nursing career with St. Agnes Hospice for 17 years.
Dolores embraced her Mexican heritage and all forms of arts and culture. She began the Christmas Eve tradition of placing Luminaries in her neighborhood and the tradition has spread for miles in north west Fresno.
She was an accomplished pianist and studied at a conservatory of music in her youth. She enjoyed attending live concerts, plays, museums and sporting events.
She was an avid world traveler, took many trips with friends and family and took her 7 grandchildren on a special international trip when they graduated from 8th grade.
In retirement she volunteered at the Poverello House, CASA and NAMI of Fresno (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). She was also a member of the Fig Garden Women’s Club.
Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Maria Vallejo and the love of her life, Pat. She is survived by her sister Carmen Pinzon, her children Cris Monahan-Bremer (Joe Bremer), Pat Monahan Jr., Teresa Kirkorian (Leonard Kirkorian), Ann Monahan and Stefanie Monahan. She is survived by grandchildren, Maria Bremer Cerruti (David Cerruti), Juliana Bremer, Hanna Kirkorian, Diana Kirkorian, Patrick Dowling, William Dowling, Cara Dowling and great granddaughter, Bryce Cerruti.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in her name to St. Agnes Hospice or NAMI of Fresno.
The Rosary will be held on Monday, August 8 at 6:00 pm at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns and Blair Funeral Home at 836 E. Nees Ave.
Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Paul Newman Center, 1572 E. Barstow Avenue.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Monahan family.
