Monica Irene Menard

Entered into peace surrounded by loved ones on February 9, 2015. Monica was born in Dakota Co., Nebraska on July 13, 1931. She was the 10th of 11 children. Her family eventually gave up the farm and moved to Jackson, Nebraska. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1949 and married Wayne K. Menard in May of 1950, her husband of 37 years, who preceded her in death on July 29, 1987. Monica is survived by 5 children: Mary Angela Stevenson, John Patrick Menard, Kathy Ann Navarrete, Wayne Joseph Menard (Cecilia Menard), and Elaine Grace Newbold (Bill Newbold). She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Elliot Stevenson, Peter Stevenson, Shawn Menard (Jennifer Menard) Anna Navarrete, Fernando Navarrete, Monica Menard, Melissa Wheeler (John Wheeler), Mercy Menard, Marcellena Menard, Marilyn Menard, Amber Van Patten (Joel Van Patten), Joel Newbold, and Mia Newbold. In addition, she's also survived by 7 great-grandchildren: Alex Menard, Braden Menard, Alyssa Menard, Arhiana Navarrete, Gustavo Morales, Melissa Espejel, and Andre' Espejel.

Monica is preceded in death by her parents, Harry Leyda Reed and Rosa Del (Mackey) Reed. She also had 7 brothers and 3 sisters. She is preceded in death by her brothers Mark W. Reed, Claude V. Reed, Leo L. Reed, Marvin H. Reed, Charles E. Reed, and sisters Eva R. Boyle, and Pearl M. Munson. She is also survived by brothers’ Eugene Reed, James Reed (Shirrel Reed) and sister Bonnie R. Brown, along with many other family members.

Monica was a devoted wife and mother. With very little to work with monetarily, she made our house a home. A home with dinner on the table to look forward to every day. She had a great sense of humor and was a good joke teller. She was very creative and through the sometimes difficult years, always made it work for us. If her family was happy, she was happy. In spite of not having much, we have many fond memories growing up together. This is a testament to our mother. We are going to miss her so much.

A celebration of Monica's life will be held at Nicoletti's Funeral Home, at 11 o'clock on Friday, February 20, 2015. Nicoletti's is located at 5401 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento CA 95816.

A private graveside service to be held at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.