I am so blessed by God's grace to have been able to share my life with such a beautiful sister. God has blessed me by allowing Monica to live forever in my heart, soul and mind. Her spirit will forever live inside of me. In a time like this, most people would be sad and deeply hurt, but I feel so much calmness and peace around me. The tears I cry are tears of rejoice that reflect what a beautiful life Monica lived. She had no regrets about anything. I know that she is still taking care of me, her little sister, aka Little Lady, only now she is looking out for me from a different view. I may not be able to physically see her, but her presence is definitely felt. To know her is to love her...and what a humbling experience at that! A main part of who I am today is due to my big sister. She paved the way for me in more ways than anyone may ever know. I am blessed to have had such a positive influence in my life. Thank you everyone for all of the support and kind words that you have given to me and my family. You're only as strong as the people around you and I have to say...I have some pretty strong arse family and friends. You're all a reflection of Monica. May God bless you all. I love you guys! Hey Bot..."I'm busy" :-) I love you. We'll be together again one day. Love, LL

Monica loved life and enjoyed hers. Now when I tell you she was thee best host and could put on and live up a party like no other, that is what I mean!! She partied like a rock star!!!! Monica was just a beautiful person all around. To have known her, you should feel priviledge that GOD could allow you to cross paths with such an angel in this lifetime. Monica touched the lives of so many people. Her spirit so live and bubbly all the time. Even during the roughest times of her life, Monica rose to the occassion with dignity, grace, and a smile that would put aside any preconcieved notions that she was anything but happy in her heart. Monica always had kind words of wisdom or encouragement. Hands down, Monica would want us all to continue her will to enjoy life and cherish family and friends.It's hard absolutely, to lose such a precious gem amongst us, but her spirit will continue to shine in life to have us realize what it is all about. LIFE. Monica showed us that through her marriage, family, and friends. I am happy that Monica was in the center of her life and choose to live it. That is important and she is a true reflection of that. I will miss her at the yearly functions, but you know what, she'll be there with us in spirit. While she may be laid to rest, the memories and her will to live and love life to the fullest, will forever be bestowed upon us all. Open your hearts and minds because Monica is closer than you think. The next time you meet or mingle with someone that reminds you of Monica, it just might be her spirit trying to send you a message, so look and listen. Monica wouldn't want us to be sad, so I am going to stop crying and babbling now, I love you Monica and her family and friends and I pray that we will continue to come together in honor of her, her love, and her life as she was definitely in the center of it. Lord, thank you for the honor to have known such a beautiful woman whom truly touched my life.

El Paso Cantina dance, dance, dance jet black hair and a non-stop smile. Monica ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! So much energy! These will be the images and memories that I will always associate with Monica. Thank you Antonella (Vieja) for providing the opportunity to meet Jon and Monica and thank GOD for letting me witness the " MONICA MARTINEZ-LAGDA EXPERIENCE". Rest in peace girl you will be missed but not forgoten.

I don't remember Monica ever not with a smile on her face. She always was in good spirits. It was so good to see her at our 20th reunion. I am so thankful to god for letting her be able to be there and celebrate with us. I will always remember Monica as a very special person. I am sad that she is gone but know that she is watching over us now and is no longer in pain. She will be missed

Monica was a blast! We, at Johnson Gray, met Monica some years back when Jon brought her to our Christmas party. She became "one of us," and I looked forward to seeing her at our events. I instantly liked her spirit and her great sense of humor. She was always ready with a great come back for Jon! I also saw in Monica, a courage and optimism that was amazing and inspiring. I'm grateful to have met her (and you Jon). Monica, you will be remembered and missed. With affection, Reagan

I met Monica in 1985 during my freshman year at Berkeley and we quickly became friends and roomates. We shared many lazy days just having fun sipping iced lattes at cafe's, reading magazines, going on sushi runs, talking about make up, and boys. When we shared a room our second year, I had a terrible habit of snoozing for 2+ hours. Monica never complained. One day I came home to find my alarm clock in the trash can. I had issues and she solved them for me. I still laugh about this. She was always happy and outgoing. Her smile was of course so memorable. How can anyone not notice those dimples! Words really cannot express all that our friendship meant to me throughout these years. It is difficult to imagine our world without Monica. She was the glue that held many people together. She helped me get through some difficult times in my life and was such a good listener. I miss her so much and feel the loss terribly. She was a beautiful person and a best friend to me. I will always cherish our memories together. Jinny

Monica, I want to take a moment to say goodbye. I have so many memories of great times in high school together. You were always smiling, full of life and made everyone feel welcome in the group. I just pulled out my 1985 yearbook and to my surprise there was a whole page that you wrote to me with a ton of good memories. I am sorry that we went our separate ways and didn't stay close after high school, even though we promised not to. I definitely missed out on more of your love and beautiful spirit. It was such a pleasure to see you again at the reunion. Your smile had only gotten brighter over the years. I know that I will see you again one day. In the meantime, you are going to make heaven a little brighter. Thank you for touching so many lives and leaving us with more joy because of you which is a sign of a life well lived. I have a comforting image of God welcoming you with open arms. I will miss you, my friend My prayers and thoughts are with your husband, family and loved ones during this time.

I feel so blessed to have known Monica. To me she is a true angel, here on earth and in heaven. I have never met anyone who inspired me as much as she did with her love of life and positive outlook. You will be true missed.

Our dear friend is gone, but the grief we feel is eased knowing that she lived her life to it's fullest and made all of us better people by being around her. My great memories of Monica are too many to list (but include her karaoke, dancing the robot with Jon and those perfectly tweezed eyebrows). We will miss you and will always love, love, LOVE YOU!

My family and I are lucky enough to have lived next door to Jon and Monica for the past 7 years. Monica is the most beautiful person I have ever known inside and out. Her positive attitude and kindness were a true inspiration. She knew the meaning of living life to the fullest and I believe she did. One of my fondest memories of Monica was her 40th birthday party-she lit up the room with that smile of hers! I am so thankful to have had you as a friend Monica. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Monica and her family touched my life in such a loving way. She was such a great friend to me. I can hardly find words to describe the grief my heart feels knowing that we won't have any more time together. I'm thankful for my memories of Monica's love and positive attitude, her giving heart, and her sense of humor that made knowing her such a joy. I can only find peace in knowing that she no longer will have to endure the pain. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, Mony. I love you.

Monica - a real life hero. My memory was when I needed a friend. I was stuck in Moscow on my own. Getting divorced, no money, lonely ready to pack things in return home defeated. Monica sent me the most beautifull poem about a womans' strength and resilliance written in her own handwriting. It stayed in my wallet for years and returned it to her when I went for a visit. She had wisdom and strength not just for herself but for her many many friends and family. Thank you Monica!

It was as though I had known her since childhood. I met Monica through mutual friends and instantly I knew I would like her. Her sweetness, her humor, and of course that beautiful smile. She will be sorely missed. I remember dancing the night away with her and Jon, boy, did they have fun together! I will also remember the kindness and excitement she showed with every story anyone told. She is one of those people you look up to...She is the standard you live up to. What a great woman. xoxo. g

Like Beth, I went to school with Monica since 7th grade. I was not a close friend, but simply a mere acquaintence in high school. The thing stands out the most for me about Monica was her kindness and beautiful smile...it could light up a room! Whenever I think back to the high school days, the memories of her are always smiling, laughing, and with Mafel by her side (two peas in a pod). Rest in peace, Monica. I know you will be missed. My prayers and condolences are with her loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

I met Monica at Faye Ross in 7th grade. She was always kind, friendly and upbeat. She was always always smiling that great smile of hers. I have never heard her say an unkind thing about anybody, ever. She was really everybody's friend. Little did I know back then what a remarkable strong and beautful woman she would become. I feel priveleged to have known her. Will miss you Monica!

I have so many beautiful memories of my wife Monica. Her infectious smile, genuine kindness, amazing strength & positivity, beautiful spirit and overall joy of life. I loved hearing her laugh when she watched her favorite TV show I Love Lucy. I am so grateful to have been her husband these last 10 years. I am a better person because of her. Most of all - I will remember the love that we shared with each other for the past 17 years. I love and miss you Monica and look forward to being with you again one day. Jon (your honey)