Mona was born in Santa Monica Hospital on December 24, 1955. She lived her whole life in Santa Monica.

Mona was a confirmed Catholic who attended St. Monica's Catholic Church and then became a member of Brentwood Presbyterian when she and Joe were dating.

Mona knew the words to all songs, she was a music lover. She also had a heart for animals. She was an avid reader, writer, homemaker, dance fanatic, movie enthusiast. She was a believer in the magic of Disney and passed that on to Desiree and Angelina in the magical gifts she gave. Mona loved to live by the ocean.

She attended john Adams junior High School, Santa Monica High School, and Santa Monica College.

After working at the Santa Monica City Employee's Federal Credit Union, she was hired in Personnel at the City in July 1982. Mona also worked in Risk Management, Finance, and Open Space. She retired in 2007.

During Mona's employment at the City, she had the honor of serving as Board Member and President (more than once) of the Municipal Employees Association. She worked hard at building trust between Management and the Union, and at creating a good working environment for the employees. Mona is survived by Husband Joseph McGrath. Daughter Desiree Marie Fought, Granddaughter Angelina Ramona Gandara, Mother Modesta Gandara, Sister Shirley Childers, Godchildren Johnny Martin and Anna Imperial, Sister Miriam Adams, and Nieces and Nephews Michael, Vanessa, Marissa, Robert and Danny Childers, and Hannah and Freddy Adams.

Mona will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a faithful Christian, proud American Indian, committed friend and a blessing to us all.

The Watcher

by Margaret Widdemer

She always leaned to watch for us, Anxious if we were late, In winter by the window, In summer by the gate.

And though we mocked her tenderly, Who had such foolish care, The long way home would seem more safe Because she waited there.

Her thoughts were all so full of us, She never could forget! And so I think that where she is She must be watching yet.

Waiting till we come home to her, Anxious if we are late, Watching from Heaven's window, Leaning on Heaven's gate.

"She was an MEA mentor to me. Mona's name was synonymous with MEA. Her tireless dedication to MEA is noteworthy and I would like to see her memory honored." - Martha Santana, V.P.

"MEA was in her heart & soul." - LauraLee Asch, CSMCE President