Lois A. Monagan

Lois Monagan of Warsaw, NY passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2019 at Wyoming County Community Hospital.

Lois Ann Washburn was born on September 14, 1935 to the late Floyd and Myrtle (Emmons) Washburn in Pavilion NY, she was the 15th of 17 children.

An extremely outgoing personality allowed Lois to walk into any room and leave with new friends. She never tired of meeting new people and loved having conversations with them. Lois was a woman of deep faith. She loved Jesus first and shared the warmth in her heart from that love by privately praying for so many people that were hurting or struggling. She was a prayer warrior and a brave person.

Her favorite things included Springtime, a good fish fry, picnics, going to Letchworth State Park and day trips to Corning or Elmira with her daughters. She loved playing Skip Bo with her grandchildren, a nice breeze on a hot summers day…in her hammock…sipping on iced tea. Lois loved to hear a child laughing or a baby cooing. She enjoyed getting together with family for celebrations and the joy and laughter that was sure to follow. With camera in hand she would say “Yoo-hoo, look at me” hoping that the picture would turn out and it usually did except for that occasional finger that got in the way! She was a prolific Christmas cookie maker and each of her children had their favorites. She enjoyed giving the cookies away as gifts to so many people. She loved to see the children’s excitement at Christmas time as they opened their gifts. She gave to many children and loved them all. Lois’ gift was her ability to make any child smile and laugh. She was a woman of faith and love, the world is a better place because of her.

Lois was predeceased by her daughter Christa Rupp and by her husband Thomas Monagan, along with 15 of her 16 siblings.

She is survived by her sister Evelyn Sprague whom she loved dearly along with her first husband and the father of her children Alfred Von Sanden. Children: Butch Von Sanden, Tim (Jody) Von Sanden and Heidi Von Sanden. Grandchildren: Erik (Cassandra) Von Sanden, Jennie Rupp, Jacquelyn (Michael) Jones, Tim Von Sanden and Zoe Black. Great grandchildren: Chloe, Olivia, Nicholas and Noah. Also: nieces and nephews along with lifelong friend Yvonne Welker.

A formal memorial service is planned for 2pm December 7, 2019 at The Valley Chapel Church, 3415 Rt. 19S Warsaw, NY followed by a small reception where memories, tears and laughter can be shared on an informal basis.