Mona Lynne Ghiringhelli, 76, of Franklin, died peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Milford Regional Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Charles P. Ghiringhelli since 1970.
Born in Flushing, New York on July 12, 1947, she was the daughter of the late William and Mona Vivian (McLaughlin) Melymuka.
Mona spent her childhood living in various locations around the world, including New York, California and Germany. But no place meant more to her than Franklin, where she moved in 1974 and developed countless lifelong friendships.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts and started her career as a school teacher.
Before her retirement, she worked in the Franklin Town Clerk’s office and served as the Director of Preschool Enrichment Programs at the Franklin YMCA.
In addition to her professional roles, Mona was an active volunteer within the Franklin community, devoting her time to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Franklin Historical Commission and was active in many children’s programs throughout the years, including the PTA and Girl Scouts, where she served as a troop leader.
In addition to her husband, Mona is survived by and was the proud Mom of three children: Jill Rotunno and her husband Tom of Ridgefield, Connecticut; Julie Sanders and her husband Matt of Fairfield, Connecticut; and Jeff Ghiringhelli of West Hartford, Connecticut.
She was also the adoring Grandmother to five grandchildren, Jack, Emily, Riley, Charlotte, and Andrew, who affectionately referred to her as Grana.
Mona loved traveling with family and friends and took many memorable trips to Europe, Costa Rica, an Alaskan cruise and frequent visits to Disney World and Disneyland with the grandchildren. Summer vacations were spent with family in New Hampshire, Maine, and Cape Cod.
She was a passionate bridge player and a huge baseball fan, though much to the chagrin of her Red Sox-loving family, Mona remained true to her New York roots and was a diehard New York Yankees fan.
Mona is also survived by her brother William Melymuka of Venice, Florida; two nieces and a nephew.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Thursday, February 8 at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 7 from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main St. in Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mona’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA 02038 or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.