Teresa Marie McMonagle

Teresa “Terry” Marie Caliguri McMonagle was 72 years old when she passed away on April 23, 2023 in her St. Louis Park home, surrounded by her family. Her courageous health journey began 25 years ago with an autoimmune disorder and with that initial diagnosis, she suffered quietly everyday with pain. Later, she was diagnosed with Leukemia and her true battle began.

Terry was born March 27, 1951 in South Minneapolis to Dorothy Sorenson Riordan and Anthony Caliguri. She had some tumultuous times as a little girl but learned how to caretake and love unconditionally. The first love of her life arrived when she was 8 years old in her beloved baby sister, Camille Ann.

Terry graduated from Golden Valley High School in 1969 with many lifelong friends and admirers. She went on to study at Gustavus Adolphus College for two years then transferred to complete her Social Work degree at the University of Minnesota. Years later, she returned to school for an Early Childhood Education degree from Augsburg University.

Terry met Michael Patrick McMonagle when he worked at a shoe shop and fit her for new shoes. In spite of her less than perfect feet, they were married on December 9, 1972 and spent their first two years honeymooning in Germany and Europe while Mike served in the Army. During that time their first daughter, Megan was born and Terry found her true calling into Motherhood. Molle was later born and a beloved “third sister” in the form of a spoiled dachshund named Schatzy completed her family.

Terry was the epitome of the Welcoming Homemaker. Not only was her home spotless and her meals, baked treats and coffee prepared to perfection, but her welcoming and inclusive nature made every guest feel loved and at home.

Over the years, Terry taught with two treasured friends at Aldersgate Nursery School and added more dear friends while working at Daytons/Macy’s. She volunteered at her churches and together with Mike, counseled numerous couples in Marriage Preparation through Prepare Ministries.

She is preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Anthony, her favorite aunt Eunice (Sorenson) and uncle Pete Madson and her cousin Marilyn Landmark. Terry is survived by husband Mike McMonagle, daughters Megan Showalter, Molle McMonagle (Joe Cowley), sister Camille Caliguri and her two children, Keegan Jindra and Keesha Walker (Derrick), along with numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins. Finally, she leaves her greatest joys and loves in her seven grandchildren. Aidan (22), Liam (14) and Zoe (11) Cowley and Isaac (21), Hannah (19), Luke (17) and Elizabeth (12) Showalter who all will forever carry her on their hearts.

She was friend, mother and grandmother to everyone she met and her light-up-a-room twinkling blue eyes and warm bright smile made you know you were loved and at home with her.

There will be a celebration of Life at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, 15800 37th Ave North, Plymouth, MN 55446 on Wednesday, May 17 from 5:30-8:00.

The Funeral Service will take place at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN 55426 on Thursday, May 18 at 11:00 with a luncheon immediately following at the church.

A private internment at Fort Snelling will be held at a later date.

The church service will be livestreamed.

Memorials preferred to the Autoimmune Association and CaringBridge and in lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider planting a tree. If you feel so inclined, please bring a penny to share in Terry’s memory. There will be “wishing” vases to drop your penny in at the services.