Mary R Monahan

Mary Regina Monahan (Scholz), 93, of San Jose, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by loving family who sang to her in her final moments, in keeping with the thread of music so prominent throughout her life.

Mary was born in Santa Rosa to Margaret and Julius Scholz. She loved to reminisce about the endearing, varied, and often serendipitous experiences and relationships she enjoyed in her life, frequently remarking what a “lucky ducky” she was. Especially meaningful to her in her early years were the idyllic days swimming at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, enjoying Gravenstein apples in Sebastopol, ranch living in Evergreen, and her wonderful times spent cheering and singing at San Jose High School.

After high school, Mary enjoyed working - as a volunteer with the Red Cross and the USO during WWII (where she honed her swing dancing skills) and at her job with the phone company, where she and her co-workers would harmonize over the phone lines. Mary’s love of music and singing led her to perform at company functions, and on an all-request radio program as “Miss Trudy,” delighting listeners with renditions of popular tunes.

Serendipity intervened in Mary’s life most significantly when she spontaneously joined the Quid Novi Club and met the love of her life, Eugene Monahan, who swept her off her feet with his clever wit and dapper style. Theirs was a partnership based on humor, mutual admiration and values, each feeling fortunate to have found the other.

Mary and Gene were blessed with many children – seven in ten years – and they handled it like pros. Children were the focus of Mary’s life, with family adventures to Bass Lake and beyond; music at the center of it all. Mary was a steady presence for the children in her life -- through both challenging and happy times – and she made every one of them feel special.

Mary cherished her family, friends and neighbors, remembering them with cards sprinkled with hand-picked petals that she lovingly chose from her garden, which she managed to maintain while raising seven children, singing in the St. Christopher’s Choir for many years, and leading the Jr. Choir. She loved her Giants and Warriors with a passion, and kept up on politics – always interested in what was happening in the world.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Monahan and eldest son, David. She is survived by her children Eileen Monahan (Irv Gingrich), Tim Monahan, Karen Monahan (Dave Nemiroff), Kevin Monahan (Donelle), Lisa Monahan-Smith (Steve Smith), Michael Monahan (Karina); her grandchildren Dayne, Derek, Anelise, Kyle, Morgan, Coleman, Ethan, Caitlyn, Nora, Kearnan, and Keeghan; and her great grandchildren Logan, Ella, Mia, Costa, and Birdie Bay. Mary’s honorary younger sister Judith Monahan and her loving caregiver, Tarisi Tokalauvere, were also near and dear to her heart.

A rosary will take place Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:00pm at Willow Glen Funeral Home at 1039 Lincoln Ave., S.J., with visitation from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Christopher’s Church, S.J., at 11:00 am Saturday, Oct. 20, followed by burial at 1:00 pm at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos. Friends and family are invited to a reception at the family home at 3:00. Mary would be honored to have donations sent in her name to Second Harvest Food Bank. Visit www.willowglenfuneralhome.com to learn more about her life.