Zoraida Mercedes La Monica

Zoraida Mercedes La Monica, nee Zoraida Reyes Quintero, a devoted mother, loving wife, grandmother, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 89 years old.

Zoraida was born on November 2, 1936, in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, where she spent her early years surrounded by the warmth of family and culture that would shape her enduring love for the arts and life’s simple pleasures.

In 1957, she married her first husband in Spain, and together they welcomed three children: Leoncio, Sahyli, and Ignacio. She dedicated many years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, nurturing her children with care, strength, and unwavering love. Later in life, with determination and a passion for helping others, she pursued higher education in Venezuela, earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Care and building a meaningful career.

After parting ways with her first husband, who passed away in 2022, Zoraida began a new chapter. She met Anthony La Monica and their partnership brought her to Canada, where she relocated in 1983, embracing a new country and new opportunities with remarkable resilience. They married in 1985. Driven by her lifelong commitment to learning and service, she returned to college and earned multiple degrees and certifications in Recreational Therapy, continuing her healthcare career in her adopted home until her retirement in 2017.

Zoraida was predeceased by her beloved son, Ignacio, who passed away in 2024. She is survived by her loving husband, Anthony La Monica; her children, Leoncio and Sahyli; her step-children Rosa Lia and Joseph; her cherished grandchildren, Alfonso, Diego, Jairo, and Laura; and her step-grandchildren Lia Rosa and Hunter; all of whom carry forward her legacy of strength, compassion, and curiosity.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Zoraida found joy in the richness of life. She had a deep appreciation for opera, literature, the fine arts, antiques, and good food. She gave generously of her time as a volunteer at the Royal Ontario Museum, where her passion for culture and history found a meaningful outlet and enriched the lives of many.

Zoraida will be remembered for her resilience, her intellect, her elegance, and her loving spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, devotion, and grace that will be cherished by all who knew her.

A private moment will be held for family and very close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a cancer research organization.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.