Obituary of Kassandra L. Monopoli

Kassandra L. Monopoli God called home a special angel, Kassandra L. Monopoli, on Tuesday April 10, 2007 from Vassar Brothers Medical Center. She was 33. Daughter of Richard F. Shwedo of Poughkeepsie and Patricia A. Sidote Purdy of Hopewell Junction, she was born on June 25, 1973 in Poughkeepsie. She married the love of her life, Dominic J. Monopoli on July 24, 1999 at St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls; he survives at home in Hopewell Junction. Kassandra taught second grade at Oak Groves Elementary School in Wappingers Falls for 11 years, where she was very involved in various programs, especially the drama program. Before teaching she graduated from Ketcham High School and then went on to receive her Master's in Education from SUNY New Paltz, only after receiving a degree from Dutchess County Community College and a Bachelor's from SUNY New Paltz. Kasey's life was filled with her two loves; family and teaching. Her eyes lit up at any mention of "her boys". She was not only a devoted second grade teacher at Oak Groves Elementary School, but also a teacher to many whose lives she touched. She lived her life with great enthusiasm and spirit, and she shared her gifts generously with family, friends and students. The lessons she left will not be forgotten, nor will her beautiful and contagious smile. In addition to her husband, Dominic, she is survived by her sons, Dominic J. Monopoli, Jr. and Andrew V. Monopoli, both at home; her brother, Daniel J. Shwedo and his wife, Robyn; step-father, Richard D. Purdy, Jr.; parents-in-law, Vincent and Lorraine Monopoli; grandmothers, Alberta Ciccarelli, Katherine M. Sidote and Margaret Melochick; step-grandparents, Richard D. and Arty Purdy, Sr.; sister-in-law, Karen Heady and her husband, Chris; nephews, Cody J. Shwedo and Thomas Heady; niece, Dakota A. Shwedo; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Family will receive their friends on Friday, April 13, 2007 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Straub Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Kasey's honor to Oak Grove Playground Booster Club, c/o Elizabeth Merril, 40 Kerr Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.straubfuneralhome.com.