Edith S. M. Monica

Sandy Creek - Edith Searles Monica, 91, died Sunday, July 3, 2001. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Mrs. Monica was born on January 31, 1920 in Clifton, NJ, daughter of the late Royal J. and Leila D. Morrow Searles. The oldest of 13 children and raised during the Depression, she was accustomed to responsibility, and taking charge. She enjoyed her talent for singing, dancing and riding horses from a young age. Always an avid reader, her passion for learning was a lifelong pursuit. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge in conversation and especially through teaching Cornell Extension Courses. Her greatest pleasure was in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth G. Monica, who passed away on February 11, 1991; two sons, Richard and John, brothers, Royal "Buddy" Searles, Lyndon Searles, James Searles; three sisters, Shirley Parker, Kathryn Whitman and Carolyn White. She is survived by two daughters, Marlene Cox of Ogdensburg and Donna Bartlett of Liverpool; five brothers, William Searles of Brasher Falls, Harry Searles of Waddington, David Searles of Norfolk, Robert Searles of Brasher Falls and Thomas Searles of AZ; one sister, Mrs. Carlton (Sara) Caskinette of Norfolk; as well as eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Calling hours will be at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, Thursday from 5 to 8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday morning at 10 am at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls with burial to follow at the parish cemetery. To honor her memory and her love of children and animals, donations may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, P. O. Box 300, Chamberlain, SD 57325, St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004 or your local animal shelter. Memories and condolences can be shared with Edith's family at www.hammillfh.com.