Monica was born on May 29, 1935 in Leipzig, Germany to William and Margareta Wittmann. When she was 15 years old, she was chosen by the Federation of German-American Societies to dedicate the Goethe Monument in Highland Park. She was interviewed by the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle last year when the monument was stolen. You can enjoy reading her take on the whole situation at the following link: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2015/07/24/goethe-theft-highland-burglaries/30625423/ Monica graduated as Valedictorian of Our Lady of Mercy High School. She received her Nursing degree from Niagara University and her Masters in Nursing from the University of Rochester. Monica created a clinical career ladder for nurses at the former Park Ridge Hospital. She mentored and supported generations of nurses during her career as an Advanced Practice Nurse. Donations in her honor can be made to a local nursing scholarship that she cared deeply about: Lucretia Richter Memorial Nursing Scholarship c/o Karen Fink, President of the Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 93220 Rochester, NY 14692 Monica is predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Jim, and her brother Joe. She is survived by 5 children, Jim, Kevin (Christine), Peggy (Becky), Mike (Melanie), Mary and 8 wonderful grandchildren, Kyle, Cameron, Callan, Annie, Kerrie, Sam, Dylan and Ryan. Grandma Cloonan hosted annual beach and lake house vacations that brought the whole family together. She also loved traveling to visit her kids and grandkids, and enjoyed touring the world. Monica embraced life and lived it fully. She loved St. Mary's parish, Red Hat events and getting together with the Mercy and Niagara girls and her other lifelong friends. She loved going to see live theatre, opera and concerts. She also loved art, museums and culinary adventures. Monica was beyond kind, overly generous and so much fun. She was full of life and made everyone feel comfortable, accepted and loved. Monica retained her sense of humor and quiet grace throughout all of the challenges she faced. Her memory will always live in the hearts of her loving family. Monica will be dearly missed by many loved ones and friends.