Mary Frances Howell Moncada
June 15, 1922 ~ December 12, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Mary Frances Howell Moncada departed peacefully on Monday December 12, 2016.
Mary was born to the late Legia Trexler McPherson and Clarence Howell in Asheville, NC on June 15, 1922. After attending St. Genevieve of the Pines, she worked in Washington, DC and New York City. She returned to Asheville in 1943, where she met her husband of 71 years, Valdo Moncada. Together they spent 18 years traveling and living on military bases while Valdo served in the United States Air Force, then they lived in Newburgh, NY, for 30 years, where they owned the Bon Voyage Travel Agency. During this time, Mary and Val sponsored Minh and Anh Huynh and family of Vietnam, who remain their devoted "adopted" family. Mary and Valdo returned to Asheville in 1994.
She had many interests, including the Zonta Club (in Newburgh, NY), creating miniatures for dollhouses, sewing, writing, politics, and current events. Mary stayed interested and engaged and full of vitality for 94 years, and was known for her spunk and zest for life.
Mary was preceded in death by James McPherson, beloved sisters and brothers-in-law Clelia and Tommy Smith and Joyce Howell, as well as son-in-law Mark Goodson, and great-granddaughter Mattie Shields.
She is survived by her husband Valdo; her five children, Carol Goodson of Candler, Peter (Sue) Moncada of Charleston, SC, John Moncada of Hazleton, PA, Joyce Moncada of Asheville, and Beverly (Elam) Smucker of Narvon, PA; two brothers, Peck Howell and Don (Kathy) Howell, sister-in-law Emilia (Del) Knooihuizen; her grandchildren, Timothy (Melanie) Goodson, Brad (Wendi) Goodson, Laura (Wes) Shields, Dan (Kym) Inions, Chad Moncada, Jarrod Moncada, William (Naomi) Moncada, Ashley Moncada, and Nathan Smucker; her great-grandchildren, Georgia, Caroline, Copeland, Dover, Carlyle, Emma, Jackson, Cody, Tucker, Harrison, Cody, and Parker; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mary was very proud of and adored by her family, and, in her own words, had "lived a great life."
Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Thursday at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church with a reception following.
For those who wish to memorialize Mary, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the charity of your choice.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is handling the arrangements.
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Dear Moncadas and Families,
We share your grief at Mary’s passing. What a vibrant, interesting life she led, inspiring us all to live life to the fullest. She will never leave your hearts, and when you share your good memories and kindness toward others, you will be sharing her with the rest of us, always. You are all in our prayers.
Our condolences go out to the Moncada family during this sad time. Mary was a wonderful person. She was like a second mother to Pat and I and that other grandma to our Jimmy and Philip. She had that caring smile and loving touch. She will be missed, but never forgotten.
The Szumlaski Family
I am so sorry to hear of Mary Frans passing. She was a favorite relative, and made you feel special. She will be missed. Love to all!❤️❤️❤️
My deepest sympathies to the Moncada family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one in death is a devastating experience, and it can leave us crushed in spirit. However, at Isaiah 57:15, here Almighty God Jehovah says, ‘I reside in the high and holy place, but also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of those being crushed.’ God notices your suffering, and through his purpose he has provided a beautiful resurrection hope that you can have faith in. (John 5:28,29)
Thinking of you, sweet Laura, and giving thanks for the blessing of your grandmother’s life.
Dear Joyce, Jarrod and Chad:
We were both so very sorry to hear of your loss! During this difficult time just before Christmas, may the sweet memories you have of your mother/grandmother bring blessings and soften the heartache you now feel. Be encouraged that she knew our Lord, and that she was a blessing to many. Remember that death is not the end; and, find comfort in that those who live for Christ will see their departed loved ones again in heaven. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’? You are in our prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time , please know that you are loved
My deepest sympathy to Valdo for the loss of his beloved Mary and to Carol, Peter, John, Joyce, Beverly for your Great Mom. I am truly blessed I met her and I remember her vitality, cheerfulness and love for life.
May she remain in our hearts to guide us to the values and aims of life.
Once again, my condolecenses to the Moncadas.
Our dear Valdo and family, We express heartfelt love to you as your dear Mary joins the journey of the saints.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joyce, it is heart breaking to read the passing of your Mother. Prayers are with you during this difficult time.
So very sorry to hear about the loss of a mother and grandmother and loving wife, I pray that god will comfort you, I’ve so enjoyed Jays talk of his grandmother, I know he loved her so.
My deepest sympathy to Val, Carol, Peck and Don. I was fortunate to have met Mary Frances at several of the Trexler family reunions over the years. She was truly ‘Greatest Generation’ and a very classy lady, full of life. Once again, my deepest sympathy in your loss.
Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss. I offer my deepest condolences and I pray for comfort and peace for you and your family.
It was great to have known Mary when you lived and visited Newburgh, NY.
Valdo my deepest sympathy to you and your Family.