Barbara Helen Monge
December 3, 1937 — February 21, 2022
Barbara Helen Monge, 84, of Taylorville, passed away with her daughters at her side, at 6:00pm on Monday, February 21, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. She was born on December 3, 1937 in Taylorville, the daughter of Jack and Juanita I. (Lee) Braat. She married Ronald P. Monge on August 20, 1966 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville. Ron preceded her in death on December 17, 2017. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 1960 and in 1967 received her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois. For a span of over 40 years Barb taught at St. Peter & Paul High School in Waterloo, Taylorville High School, St. Mary’s School, and Morrisonville High School before returning to and retiring from Taylorville High School as guidance counselor. Barb was the first female score keeper for IHSA boys high school basketball. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she played the organ for over 50 years. She was a charter member of the American Business Women’s Association and the Community Business Women’s Association. She was a member of the Catholic Daughter’s of America and previously coached basketball and softball. More than anything she loved her family, and especially looked forward to traveling to visit her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters: Virginia “Ginny” Monge (Deane Walker) of Concord, California, and Carol Lee Sain (Shon) of Wilmington, Delaware; grandchildren: Bailey Sain, Alex Walker, Jack Walker, and Lily Sain; sister: Jean Neal (Tom Newton) of Chandler, Arizona; brother-in-law: Julio Monge of Taylorville; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
A Funeral Mass for Barb will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March, 1, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Father Fredrick Chima Mbiere officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Visitation will be held on Monday, from 5 until 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church with a prayer service beginning at 4:45pm. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church or St. Mary’s School. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Barb, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
The Monge family was such a huge part of my child hood! Such great memories! Barb will be greatly missed around the community of Taylorville. Prayers to the family.
Barb was a great teacher and friend. She was so helpful to me when I was a new student at THS. I will forever remember her kindness. I am sorry for your loss, Ginny and Carol. She loved you both very much.
Annette
Barbara was my wonderful Godmother and family friend. I was fortunate to work with Barbara at THS for many years. Barbara played the organ for my wedding and many family celebrations. She was a wonderfully talented lady and will be missed by so many. She made Taylorville a better place to live. Prayers for the family.
I was on the board of education in Morrisonville when Barb was there. Then she played the organ at St Maurice Church when our son, her former student, got home from Dessert Storm to be married. These were short historical times but I will never forget what she meant to my family.