Dalia Emilia Monahan

Daughter of the late, Duilio Latini and Attilia (Muzio) Latini, loving wife of the late, Patrick J. Monahan, beloved mother of Daniel and adoring grandmother of Keira and Madeline, Dalia passed peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 98.

Born in Milwaukee, but a longtime Chicagoland resident (Melrose Park and Elmhurst) Dalia lived, more recently, in Canyon Country, California with her son's family.

Dalia's long life was filled with love, gifts and attention for all those who had the good fortune to know her. For family and friends, her cuisine was deliciously Italian and her home overflowed with books and works of art, many her own.

Her accomplishments included: a whirlwind education that saw her graduate from Chicago's Marshall High at sixteen; an undergraduate degree at eighteen; and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at her alma mater, the University of Chicago, soon after.

Following her degree, Dalia taught in both the Chicago High School system and, subsequently, at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.

Returning home, her studies continued at the Art Institute of Chicago. There, Dalia studied under and began a long friendship with, fellow artist, Leroy Neiman. That relationship would carry them both into a successful, professional association in Chicago fashion advertising for years to follow. In that time, Dalia worked as both Art Director and Advertising Manager at Mandel Brothers and the exclusive boutique, Blum's Vogue.

Nineteen fifty-four saw Dalia marry USAAF Corporal and mechanical engineer, Patrick J. Monahan -- beginning a fifty-three year bond unbroken, until Patrick's passing in 2007. In 1960, while expecting Danny, Dalia left the world of business to dedicate her life to family and friends (a far more challenging endeavor). In that, she was no less successful, staying very busy designing wedding flourishes for friends and winning a shelf full of holiday decorating awards. Her artwork brightly reflected the creativity she retained throughout her long lifetime.

She was a remarkable woman, a patient wife, a spectacular mom and a loving and involved grandma. That said, words do not do justice to the care and attention she lavished on her mother and father, sisters and brothers, husband and son and friends far and near. She had a dear heart and will be tenderly remembered and terribly missed, especially by her son and granddaughters -- but no doubt lovingly received by the multitude of friends who have preceded her on the journey.

A Committal Service will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, US, on March 17, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.