Patricia “Paddy” Monahan passed away March 7, 2024, at the age of 81. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, a daughter of the late James and Katherine Cummings. Her family moved to East Keansburg when Paddy was in her teens. After meeting her future husband, Jack, they moved to Spring Lake and eventually settled in Belford to raise their young family in 1973.
Paddy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was known for her caring and loving personality, always putting others before herself. Paddy had a special bond with each of her 13 grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Bee.”
Throughout her life, Paddy worked alongside her husband Jack as a bookkeeper for 40 years at their carpentry business. She also dedicated her time to helping her sister-in-law at her daycare business, showcasing her nurturing spirit. Paddy found joy in spending time with her family and was happiest when she could lend a helping hand.
Aside from her work, Paddy enjoyed reading a good book, hiking in Monmouth County parks with her husband and traveling to Canada and Cape May. She also had a fondness for trips to Costco, where she would stock up on essentials for her family.
Paddy’s impact on the lives of those around her was profound. Her loving and caring nature influenced her children and grandchildren, who were honored to care for her in her final years, just as she had cared for them throughout their lives.
Survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Jack Monahan, Paddy is also remembered by her son, James Thomas (Dana) Monahan; daughters, Donna (George) Nole, Erin (Paul) Dobry, Kerri Monahan and Bridget Green; brothers, James (Sharon) Cummings and Richard Cummings; sisters, Claire Young, Susan (Ed) Pirylis and Diane Johnson; and her 13 grandchildren, Jason, Michael, Matthew, Thomas, Nolan (Angela), Jake, Mollie, Stephen, Taylor Rose, Emily, Katie-Anne, Jordan and Anabel.
Paddy was predeceased by her son Bobby Monahan; brothers John Patrick Cummings, Michael Cummings and Peter Cummings; sister Regina Ferguson; and brother-in-law Gary Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Humane Society to honor Paddy’s memory.
Visitation was held March 17 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A service concluded the evening and a private cremation followed.
This article originally appeared in the March 14 – 20, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
