Louise Marie Monaco , 97, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023 at The Pines in Poughkeepsie after living a long and fulfilling life. She previously lived at The Gables in Poughkeepsie . Louise was born in the Bronx, NY on December 24,1925 to Carmelo and Concetta (LaGatta) Tabacco . She grew up in the Bronx in a large Italian family of 6 girls and 3 boys. She was very close with her sisters and friends and was part of a neighborhood girls club where she got her nickname "Lee "which she is fondly known as to family and friends. As a young woman, Louise was very proud to have found a job that she loved at the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Manhattan where she worked as a bookkeeper.

On February 4, 1951, Louise married the love of her life, Rudolph (Rudy) Monaco who predeceased her in 2014. They built a house and moved to Yorktown Heights in 1964 where they spent many happy years raising their family. Louise was known for her fantastic cooking and would always whip up delicious meals for family dinners and holiday celebrations. She made holidays, birthdays and other occasions special and happy times for everyone. She was an avid crocheter who made many beautiful blankets for her family.

Upon Rudy's retirement in 1990 they moved to Dutchess County where they were very active in local seniors' groups and enjoyed many events and trips with good friends. The also took dancing lessons and were fortunate enough to be able to travel to Europe several times, including Italy and Sicily, Canada, Hawaii and throughout the continental United States. Louise and Rudy were long-time communicants of Holy Trinity Parish in Poughkeepsie.

Louise is predeceased by 7 of her siblings and is survived by her loving sister Ida Fattrusso, 94, who resides in Florida, along with dozens of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her six children: Geraldine Ford and husband Clay, Marguerite McFadden and husband John, Jeannette Monaco, Gary Monaco, Christine Mowbray and Gina Monaco along with 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren with a 9th one on the way! She will be missed dearly and remembered with great love and affection.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dutchess County and the staff at The Pines at Poughkeepsie Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for their kindness and care during her stay there as well as the many caring and compassionate Home Health Aides who cared for her while she was living in her home.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, April 5th from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A church service will be held on Thursday, April 6th at 10:30 am at The Church of the Holy Trinity , 775 Main Street, Poughkeepsie. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.

To send condolences or for directions, please visit the Mchoul Funeral Home website at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.