Mona M. Blackwood

Mona Monique Blackwood, 87, of Ohioville, closed her eyes in eternal rest on August 16, 2016. She was born November 5, 1928, in New Bedford, MA, the daughter of Archie and Bessie Auffrey, and stepmother Yvonne, who along with siblings, Jeff, Albert, Von, Rita, Theresa, Cecile, Eva, and Hilda, all preceded her in death. While still young, Mona left school to work in an aircraft factory, proudly helping to support both her country and her family during wartime. It was at this time when she first encountered a handsome sailor, who predicted on the night they met that she would become his wife and the mother of his children. Sure enough, for three years, despite the distance of Ray’s military service, their love continued to grow. Upon his return, they were married on July 3, 1948. They spent 58 happy years raising their family and watching it grow. After Ray’s death in 2006, Mona remained in their home with the support of her loving family and lifelong neighbors and friends. Mona will be remembered by her family: her sons, Richard (Mary), Norfolk, VA; James (Vickie), Hammond, IN; John (Karen), Freeport, FL; Michael (Jody Belich), Industry, PA; Stephen (Sherry), Beaver, PA; and daughter, Leslie Corak (Paul), Monaca, PA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Marc, Marci, John, Lisa, Kieran, Ian, Joshua, Michael, Eric, Adam, Ryan, Allison, Matthew, Kelly, Archie and Joni Rae; great-grandchildren: Trey, Madison, Thomas, Erin, Ashley, Laney, Brooke, Rayna, Kayla, Mason, Launa, Alandria, Aiden, Nicholas, Jacob, and Bradley; her sister-in-law, Josie, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Mona found great joy in her devoutly held Catholic faith, which was reflected in the selfless giving of herself to those around her, as a wife, a mother, and the tireless matriarch of her ever-expanding family tree. Mona’s kind heart and quiet strength were a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her, and she will be profoundly missed.

Friends will be received Friday, August 19, 2016 from 2 pm until 4 pm and 6 pm until 8 pm in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Robert Miller, Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 10 am in Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Beaver. A private interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.