Monica D. Larakers

The charming and delightful Monica Larakers passed away on October 14th with her daughter Kate by her side. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert, whom she lovingly referred to as her “spoiled brat.” To her great sorrow she also outlived her sister, and closest confidant Karen Koenig and two of her adored children, Diane (Welenc) and John. She is survived by her daughter Kate (Edwards), her sons-in-law George and Greg, her bonus daughter Lisa Irving, her brother Joseph Doweiko and her treasured grandchildren Jada, Casey, Kylie and KJ. She was the proud aunt to many nieces and nephews, and the much-loved sister-in-law.

Monica was a kind, generous and loving woman. The doorway to her home had a sign that read “He who enters is a stranger but once.” She embraced that sentiment fully and enjoyed cooking, feeding and talking to whomever came to visit. Most of her children’s friends called her mom and would often come to see her. She had a minor obsession with all things Star Trek and a major love of musicals. (Hopefully she finally has the opportunity to meet Gene Kelly in heaven!) It was common to hear her singing as she cooked, cleaned, or went about her daily life. 

Despite all the loved ones she had lost, and the physical ailments she had gained Monica never lost her love of life or her sense of humor. She will be dearly missed by her three closest friends Sharon Currier, Julie DeVries and Susan (Toody) Kobiela, whom she shared a lifetime of laughter with. Although her many friends and family are sorrowful at her loss, Monica would want to be remembered with smiles and humor.