Mona Rio Antonelli – Monongahela

Mona Rio Antonelli, 90, of Monongahela, passed away into the peaceful arms of our Lord  Thursday evening, Sept. 10, 2020. She was the beautiful daughter of Anna Cecilia Bartelli and Elmer Campa of Spanish Donora. She was born Nov. 24, 1929, and spent her early years with her Italian grandparents, Lucia and Angelo Bartelli, her uncle Guido and their Sheltie named Rex in the hillside home of Black Diamond. As a young bride, she would live in the bucolic, meadowed streams of Poplar Hollow, where she made lifetime loving friends. She lived a long and enduring life, outliving childhood and contemporary friends as the matriarch of her family. She was content with her life in Mon City and said she should never leave Monongahela because her name MONA was “in it.” Mona means “noble” — and never was that more befitting than when she would ride through the scenic Monongahela Cemetery, sacredly recalling hand-carved family names with inspiring memories of their past. She was a gifted calligraphy writer, a spontaneous reader, a loyal “Wheel of Fortune” fan and a prize-winning lemon meringue pie baker. Mona was an only child — friends and neighbors were very important to her, especially a graceful and beautiful friend named Molly Kotecki of Finleyville. They would enjoy years of friendship in each other’s namesake … Mona and Molly. They spent productive years at the Monongahela Senior Center as site committee members, social and activity volunteers and bingo winners. Mona won the 2012 Washington County Senior Spelling Championship contest and a Congressional Award for her Super Senior Spaghetti Sauce Recipe. She was known as a Card Team Tournament Award recipient and a canasta shark. She was a Monongahela Valley Hospital retiree from the dietary department. She was truly a “social worker” wherever she went. Forever did she love her Catholic faith, so much that she and her husband sent their children to the first open classes at Saint Anthony Catholic School on Park Avenue. She was a lifetime member of Saint Anthony Parish, being baptized in 1930. She lived to see her children and grandchildren, Adrian A. Plesha and Michael Joseph Antonelli, receive that sacrament inside its holy doors. As a member of Christian Mothers and the Altar Rosary Society, she attended Transfiguration, St. Damien of Molokai and Our Lady of the Valley, through all the diocesan changes. She would say from a front row seat, “how lovely it is on the altar.” In later years, she would enjoy rides through the peaceful Monongahela Cemetery to visit the hand-carved stones of her grandparents, mother and beloved husband and son. She would look for the quiet deer, the scampering squirrels, to elude her veteran driver and endearing companion, Ray Cleaver, who cared for her in final days. She spent respite time at Victoria House in Monessen, where she benefited from the vigilant care of “Baby” Ruth, and her dedicated staff. She recovered from two hip fractures and appreciated FaceTime and distant visits from her grandsons and great-grandchildren from the West Coast and Midwest. She finished life the way she lived it, with her continence to herself. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne M. Plesha of Greensburg; her faithful daughter-in-law, Debra J. Antonelli; her devoted family companion, Ray Cleaver; her grandsons, Adrian A. Plesha (Kareen) and Michael J. Antonelli (Liz); and great-grandsons, Adrian Anthony and E. Jay Plesha. Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Domenic F. Antonelli; her loving son, Dominic R. Antonelli; and her exceptional son-in-law, Tony Plesha. Her family members would like to thank the beautiful clergy team at St. Andrew the Apostle for their tender mercy and support; Father Kevin, for anointing her when she needed him, Deacon Al for greeting her and Father Pat for attending her 90th birthday party. They paved and steadied the way for her sweet transitions, always kind and welcoming. We would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice and Dr. Joseph Michael and his staff for unflinching care and comfort. A grateful and appreciative thank you for all Mona’s family and friends who attended her 90th birthday celebration. You made her home and heart a dwelling place. Mona’s family will receive friends and neighbors from 11 a.m. until noon Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 722 W. Main St., Monongahela. We then ask that you stay and join us in prayer for her Mass of Christian burial, which will begin at noon, followed by a committal service at Monongahela Cemetery. In order to be compliant with our county and state guidelines, masks MUST be worn and social distancing maintained. The family would like to thank you in advance for your understanding. FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC. is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Andrew The Apostle Parish or the Monongahela Cemetery Chapel Restoration Project. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.