Mona Ann Reardon, age 77, passed away among her family and friends Oct. 4, 2018. She had recently moved to Bend, Ore. from Langley to be with her daughter Meghan and her grandchildren. After a quick and aggressive battle with lung cancer, she peacefully passed and joined her husband Clark and daughter Sheila.
Mona was born Nov. 5, 1940 in Faribault, Minn. to Martin and Elizabeth Bogie. She attended St. Benedict’s College, where she graduated with a B.A. in English.
In 1964, she married Clark Reardon (deceased 2015), and together they had three children, Sheila Reardon (deceased 2017), John Reardon of Everett, and Meghan Kincaid, of Bend, Ore.
Mona moved to Seattle in 1979 with her family. It was during this time that she returned to the work force and was a successful manager and buyer for Frederick & Nelson for their women’s couture department. After raising her three children, Clark and Mona moved to Whidbey Island, where they retired and enjoyed the island life. Mona was very active in the Alcoholics Anonymous community where she sponsored many people and continued to live the principals of AA. She was proud of her sobriety of over 19 years.
Mona said that singing brought her grace. From Gregorian chant and Hungarian lullabies to contemporary sacred music and concert fare, she delighted us with her enthusiasm and talent. Through her years on Whidbey Island, Mona sang with the Whidbey Chorale; for special concerts at the Langley United Methodist Church; and in the all-women quartet, “Resonance,” which performed yearly at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.
Mona was a warm, charismatic person who made you feel welcomed and loved upon meeting her. She always greeted you with a big hug and held your hand as she looked deep into your eyes to ask how you were. Once you met Mona, you were captured under her spell and knew you just found your new best friend. At times it felt like you were the only one who mattered in the world. She was passionate about politics, football (Seahawks and Vikings), animals, music, history and Abraham Lincoln. She debated fiercely on any of those topics and felt personally affected by injustices in the world. Mona was bright, funny, slightly naughty and intense about life. She lived her life passionately and ended her life fighting fiercely but with grace.
She was severely loved by her four grandchildren: Madeline, Nolan and Charlotte Kincaid, of Oregon, and Keoni Weiser, of Wisconsin. Mona was one of those people you will never forget as she took the time to get to know you and would let you know that you mattered. She was immune to any race, social status, gender or orientation bias. She loved people for who they were and let you know you were special. Mona will be missed and cherished. There was only one Mona. We will miss you!
There will be a celebration of life 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at Useless Bay Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: South Whidbey Homeless Coalition P.O. Box 453 Langley, WA, 98260, or WAIF of Coupeville, P.O. Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239.
