It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Monica Frances Sugrue (nee McKay) on 2nd October, 2025, after succumbing to a rare degenerative neurological disorder which she fought valiantly until the end. Monica will be remembered as a beautiful, elegant, smart lady. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, mother-in-law, and friend to many.
Born in 1942 and raised in Blantyre, Monica was one of six children. She was surrounded by four brothers until the welcome arrival of her sister, Pauline. Monica and Pauline were close “accomplices,” along with their unofficial sister, “Cousin Eileen.”
Monica received her B.S. in Biochemistry from University of Glasgow in 1967. She worked for years as a pharmacist in Scotland. While at university, Monica met Michael Sugrue, whom she married in 1967 after a whirlwind romance. After the arrival of their three daughters, Mike’s work led them to France in 1978.
Monica devoted herself tirelessly and selflessly to ensuring her three children adapted smoothly to their new country and culture. These skills were once again put to the test when the family moved to the US in 1986. Monica enjoyed a successful career at IKEA, where she was regularly promoted and beloved by her colleagues. In her retirement years in Naples, Florida, Monica continued her active lifestyle – playing golf and tennis, singing in the church choir, volunteering as an aide to homebound seniors, and organizing regular neighborhood parties.
Monica is survived by her beloved children Stephanie (and Tom Conaghan, with daughters Chloe, Caroline, and Caileigh), Marcia (and David Lesnik, with daughters Stella and Niamh), and Katy (and Peter Trosini). She is also survived by her brothers Peter and Frank McKay. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Sugrue, her parents, Archibald and Catherine McKay (nee Rooney), her sister Pauline McDonald (nee McKay), and her brothers, Brendan and Kenneth McKay.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, 17th October, 2025 at 11am at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Chevy Chase, Washington DC, USA. Interment private.
Our thoughts are with all of Monicas family at this sad time.
