Obituary: Monica Frances DiNardo, 31, of Easton

Information and Photo Courtesy Lesko & Polke Funeral Home

EASTON, CT — Monica Frances DiNardo, age 31, of Easton, passed away on January 26, 2019.

Monica's life and memory will forever be cherished by her mother Bonnie Candee of Easton, her father Frank DiNardo of Fairfield, her brother Michael DiNardo of Easton, maternal grandparents Harold and Shirley Candee of Easton, paternal grandmother Virginia DiNardo of Trumbull, many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Fairfield County area.

Monica was a kind, loving, and generous soul who was loved by so many people, especially her family and dear friends, both near and far.

A devout Christian, Monica was a lifelong parishioner of Notre Dame of Easton Church, where she received her First Communion and Confirmation. She was an altar server alongside her brother for many years. Her faith was a very important part of her life. Monica was a Catholic School attendee her entire life where she learned to serve her community, the less fortunate and gained a great sense of empathy for those around her.

Growing up, Monica was involved in many athletic activities including soccer, softball, and swimming. She participated in ballet and other forms of dance, which was truly a passion of hers.

A graduate of Saint Joseph’s High School in 2005, Monica was a member of the school's choir, cross country, soccer, and lacrosse teams. During her senior year she served as the lacrosse team's co-captain and received Second Team All-State honors. A talented athlete and team leader, Monica was recruited by a number of colleges for lacrosse.

Monica attended Springfield College of Massachusetts. She graduated in 2009 with an undergraduate degree in communications disorders with a minor in psychology. While there, she played for the Springfield College women’s lacrosse team. After graduation, Monica was an assistant coach of the Weston High School girl’s lacrosse team, who went on to win their first ever State Championship in 2011.

Ever mindful to those in need, Monica and a small group of Springfield College students organized relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005, traveling to New Orleans during spring break to assist the local community leaders and volunteers. Monica was a regular volunteer at the Thomas Merton Center, serving meals and helping homeless individuals in the Bridgeport area. She touched so many people in such a meaningful way.

Monica will always be remembered for her warm, and glorious smile that would light up every room. Her loving personality and zest for life brought out the best in everyone she met.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame of Easton Church, 655 Morehouse Road, Easton. All other services will be private.

Memorial contributions in Monica`s name may be made to either: The Thomas Merton Center (www.themertoncenter.org) which provides food and counseling services to the homeless and needy of Bridgeport, or Saint Catherine Academy (www.stcatherineacademy.org) a school in Fairfield which provides education and services to special needs children and adults. Both organizations are within Catholic Charities (www.ccfairfield.org).

For travel directions, or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com