Anita Monaghan

Anita Ingeborg Monaghan, beloved mother, cherished friend, caring sister, and devoted daughter, passed away on May 17, 2024 in Oshawa at age 59 after a courageous battle with cancer. Anita was born on March 26, 1965 in Toronto to Jack and Nancy Wagg. She was predeceased by her mother, as well as her older siblings, John (husband to Marla and father to Elle and Emma) and Yvonne (mother to Mark). Anita grew up in Scarborough, attending Highland Creek Public School and West Hill Collegiate. She graduated from the University of Guelph in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions in various roles, including at the Ontario Human Rights Commission and Sunnybrook Hospital. Her professional life was marked by her dedication and passion for helping others. Anita had a zest for life and a multitude of interests. She loved downhill skiing, track and field, and was an avid animal lover, especially of the dogs she had throughout her life. Her garden was a testament to her green thumb and an expression of her nurturing soul. Her artistic spirit shone through in her love for arts and crafts, particularly scrapbooking with her daughter Jade. One of Anita's favourite places was the family cottage in the Muskokas, where she enjoyed many happy times with friends and family. Her Finnish heritage was an important part of her life, enjoying saunas throughout the year and racing her kids to be the first to plunge into icy winter waters. Anita's favourite time of the year was Christmas. She adored hosting her friends and family, creating warm and joyful gatherings, especially her widely celebrated Christmas eve parties. Anita was a devoted and loving mother to Jade and Reilly. She found great joy in spending time with her children, taking Jade to countless dance competitions and cultivating Reilly’s love of food. Her bond with them is unbreakable. Anita maintained a close and loving relationship with her sister Yvonne's son, Mark, who held a special place in her heart. Jade's husband, Ali, was also an integral part of her family, and Anita cherished the time they spent together. Anita will also be missed dearly by her father, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, lifelong friends (Marilyn, Karen, Lynda), and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, hope, and resilience. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Join us in commemorating and celebrating Anita’s remarkable life — one filled with love, laughter, and countless memories on June 5, 2024 in the Regal Room on the upper floor of the Centennial Building (416 Centre Street South, Whitby, ON L1N 4W2). Doors will open at 5:30pm and the service will begin at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, Anita's children Jade and Reilly invite you to honour her legacy of kindness and selflessness by contributing to the "Anita Ingeborg Monaghan Bursary" at her alma mater Guelph University. Your donation will provide vital support to undergraduate students in financial need. Charitable tax receipts will be issued to all donors. To make a donation, please visit: https://uoguel.ph/anitamonaghan Please note there is no need to check off "This gift is in honour or in memory of someone", as the online form is defaulted to direct donations towards the Anita Ingeborg Monaghan Bursary. For donation questions or info on how to donate via other means, please contact Elizabeth Rauchenstein at Guelph University's Alumni Affairs & Development at erauchen@uoguelph.ca.