Mary Edna Monaghan, 68, passed away at home with her family in Atwater, California. She was born in Visalia, California on April 2, 1955 to Daniel and Earleen Monaghan. 

   Throughout her life she resided in Three Rivers, Sacramento, Livingston, Fresno, Turlock, and Atwater.  Mary graduated from Livingston High School and went on to earn a bachelor degree from CSU Fresno with a music degree (voice) and a master degree from CSU Stanislaus in choral conducting and literature. 

   She was a passionate music educator returning to her alma mater, Livingston High after college. Mary went on to teach at Ballico-Cressey, Gratton and Atwater Elementary, finishing her 35+ year career at Manteca High. She was also active for many years as a music minister at Livingston United Methodist Church, Turlock Covenant, Central Presbyterian and New Life Christian Church.   Mary’s soprano voice was well known throughout the Central Valley. She performed in many ensembles; Oratorio Society, California Choral Company, Fresno Chorale, Cantare Con Vivo, SLO Mozart Festival Chamber Choir, Soli Deo Gloria. 

   During her retirement, she enjoyed going to the gym, gardening and working in her vineyard with her husband, painting in her art studio, volunteering with Hospice, and was the proudest ‘ballet’ grandma. 

    She is survived by her husband Jeff Stopper; daughter Lori (DJ) Foster and granddaughter Meleah, son Mark (Andrea Florez) Hamaguchi; brothers and sisters-in-law Dan and Cathy Monaghan, Frank and Lorraine Monaghan, Jim Monaghan; and many nieces and nephews; step-children Stephen Stopper and Christine (Brandon Bray) Stopper and grandson Grayson. Mary’s contribution to music in the valley will be heard for many years through the many students she taught.  

   A casual melodic outdoor celebration will be held for family and friends on Thursday, July 6th, 11 a.m. at 5720 Rainbow Lane, Atwater. 

   In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an organization that Mary supported for many years worldvision.org/Hope4EastAfrica.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, June 24, 2023