Agnes J. Monk (Neenan), longtime resident of Melrose died peacefully on February 12 with her children by her side. Agnes was born on June 1, 1944 in Boston to the late John J. Neenan and Marie Neenan (Concetta M. Rando). She spent her early childhood in Winthrop before settling in Melrose, where she lived for more than fifty years. Her life was shaped by deep love, profound loss, unwavering faith, and a fierce devotion to her family.

Agnes married the love of her life in 1965 to Herbert H. Monk, Sr., whom she built a family and a future. His tragic death in 1980 marked her deeply; although she never remarried, her strength carried her forward as she raised her two children, Marie and Herbert Jr., with resilience and devotion. After her husband’s death she obtained a real estate license and loved working in real estate. While loving the hustle and bustle of the real estate market, the practical Agnes had to change career paths to support her family. This fierce protective mother endured jobs ranging from a TSA Agent to selling cellular phones. Agnes was a people person. She then proceeded to build a career in insurance before spending a decade in Customer Service at the Boston Globe where she retired. Her warmth and straightforward honesty made her memorable to everyone she encountered – she always spoke her mind, and you always knew exactly where you stood with her.

Some of her fondest memories were of travelling to Nova Scotia, Mexico, and Washington D.C. Though she loved the idea of travel her happiest moments were simple but not rich; spending time on Parker Pond in Maine, enjoying the quiet beauty of the White Mountains, or taking drives to Revere Beach to look at the ocean and visit Kelly’s. Faith was a steady anchor for Agnes. Even when she didn’t physically make it St. Mary’s Church in Melrose, she never missed Sunday Mass, drawing comfort and strength from her spirituality and the rituals that grounded her.

Agnes had an unwavering love for her family and they remained the center of her life. She was the loving mother of Herbert H. Monk, Jr. and his wife Dina Monk (Tedesco) and Marie Monk-Smith and her husband Shaun Smith. She absolutely adored and was most proud of her grandchildren that she leaves behind; Leanne Bako and her husband Juxhin, Spencer Monk, Wyatt Monk, and Taylor Smith. Agnes also leaves behind her beloved sister, Margaret Levy and her husband George Levy, and their children Christopher Levy (deceased), George N. Levy (deceased), and Michael Levy.

Though her life held hardship, Agnes faced the world with grit, humor, and a bold spirit all her own.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment to follow at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.