Monica E Whitaker

Monica Elizabeth Whitaker passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2025, at age 63. Monica was a native resident of Tampa, Fl. Monica is a beloved member of our family and community, who touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She always had a radiant smile and infectious laughter. Although Monica lived with Down Syndrome, she did not let that define her. She found immense joy in the church, music, dancing, playing cards, drawing, and latch-work. Monica also loved to swim and swam with the Special Olympics of Tampa. Monica will be deeply missed!

Monica is preceded in death by her parents, John Sr. and Elsie Whitaker, her sister and brother-in-law Sandra and Louis Agresta Sr, her brother John Whitaker Jr., her sister Myra Friedel, and her Godfather and brother-in-law Parker “Rocket” Rakocy.

Monica is survived by her sister Rose Marie “Rosie” Rakocy, her sister-in-law, Lois Whitaker, her brother-in-law Richard Friedel and many nieces and nephews.

Monica and her family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers at Stepping Stones for Independent Living of Dade City, Fl. who supported and cared for her like family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 E Lake Avenue, Tampa, Fl. Funeral service at 11:00AM with entombment service to follow at Showmen’s Rest Cemetery, Tampa, Fl.