The night of January 17, 2021 we lost a very special person as it is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Monet Anne Maher Paterson. A loving and caring mother as well as a beautiful wife. From her early career of running a successful at home daycare business and throughout her time of working in accounting, she had an impact on everyone whose path she crossed. Monet was always surrounded by her children, grandchildren and multiple dogs. The joy they brought to her and the beautiful smile they put on her face was unbelievable. Some of her most cherished memories with her husband were the countless vacations to the beach and the quality time that they shared during their getaways. Whenever you asked Monet what made her happiest, she would respond with “when all my family is together”, especially around the holidays.
Monet loved music because of the pleasure it brought in her daily life. She played the flute, piccolo, piano and even an occasional strum of the guitar. She was always singing along to James Taylor, Bon Jovi, Journey, Christmas music or just about anything on XM radio. Summertime was Monet’s favorite time of year. Besides her backyard pool, the Outer Banks was Monet’s happy place. She planned trips to the Outer Banks months in advance and not even a hurricane would stand in the way of her and her family traveling to that happy place. Monet would grab her beach chair, sunglasses, ‘Boss’ hat, tanning lotion, a good book, bury her feet in the sand and soak up the sun all day long.
To say Monet loved her dogs is an understatement. She spent countless hours looking for the perfect dog to adopt. Her family could not be more grateful for the dogs that she has brought into their lives. Even when Ray and the kids thought they didn’t need another dog, Monet would convince them she found that perfect pup and sure enough, she was right. That dog now had a fur-ever home on Steadman Street.
Most people will remember Monet by how generous and thoughtful she always was. As much as Monet may have loved receiving gifts, the warmth she felt from giving back meant more to her. Monet would shower her family with presents on birthdays and Christmas including unexpected gifts throughout the year just to show her love and appreciation.
A fun fact about Monet was how she always monitored the weather. Her family nicknamed her Topper! She got her weather fascination from her father. She would tell everyone the daily temperature, when it was going to rain or snow, or any other significant weather event like hurricanes. Monet knew the names of every hurricane or tropical storm and would track each from beginning to end.
One thing that surfaced in recent years was Monet’s fascination with the Washington Nationals. Monet loved the Nationals and attending home games when available was mandatory. A seat along first base line as close to the field or behind the home team dug brought instant joy. The chance for a photo opportunity with the mascot Screech was always a highlight. Even more important was seeing Max Scherzer! Mad Max was her favorite player. Anytime he was on the mound everything was put on hold and when at home it was must watch TV. Like the hurricanes, Monet knew everything about Mad Max.
Life changes all the time, much like the waves of the ocean. We hope that when Monet’s loved ones, family and friends, are watching the tide or looking up to the sky, they just might catch a glimpse of Monet smiling back at them.
Monet, Mom, Nana – we will never know how to say goodbye so instead, we will say until we see you again. Heaven stole a very special person and you were taken away from us too soon. We will forever miss you and ask that you be our angel to help guide us through the rest of our lives.
To honor Monet, please send donations to The Petfinder Foundation and give the Gift of Hope to a pet in need.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Monet Anne Maher Paterson, please visit our Tree Store.