World Famous People born in 1916 include Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, Jackie Gleason and our ‘wee’ Irish Mother, Monica Fleming, the 11th of 12 children born to Charles Fleming and Kathleen Murray in Belfast, Northern Ireland on April 1st of that year. None of the aforementioned famous people, or members, lived to the ripe age of 101. Our Mother was a force of nature and an amazing woman.
In her 23rd year, World War II was raging in Europe and Belfast became a staging area for American Armed Forces in the days and months leading to D-Day. She worked as a secretary for the U.S. Army Command and, ever the dancing queen, could be found most evenings at the USO dancing to the music of the Big Band Era. During this time, she met and married Claude J. Edwards, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a private in the U.S. Army. His career and their marriage would take her from her Irish home to the United States, where she remained for the next 60 years.
While the family made many moves in the early years, with the birth of their first grandchild, they settled in Manassas, Virginia. During her time there she made many friends, became friends with her children’s friends and even her grandchildren’s friends, all of whom affectionately referred to her as “Grammy”. To many she was the Grandmother they had never known and she treated all of them as though they were her own.
Always busy, she could be found wrapping hot dogs at the Greater Manassas Baseball League fields in the summer, selling popcorn at the Stonewall Jackson High School sporting events, year round and playing Bridge with “her girls” every Thursday evening. Once the grandchildren graduated from college she started the weekly Wednesday night dinners to feed the working poor (her grandchildren and their friends) where great food, good conversation and awesome banana pudding were on the menu.
Grammy was a hugger, generous to a fault, volunteered herself (and each of us) for everything, dispensed advice freely, whether solicited or not and prayed for anyone at any time, upon request and even without a request if she felt it was needed. She was a true believer and, oh yes, did we mention, in our family we believe she even had “Himself” on speed dial? She had a wicked sense of humor, a deep Irish brogue and a heart as big as Texas.
While she loved us deeply, her great grandchildren, Grace, Ben, Colby and Cooper occupied a special place in her life. She played games with them, read stories, recited poems and sang Irish songs – her own special version of a college education.
She wore her Irish green sweater on St. Paddy’s Day, grew shamrocks on her apartment windowsill and served up cups of hot tea which, in case you are unaware, can cure anything from a broken heart to appendicitis. Our 4 ft. 11 inch “Irish Leprechaun” as we often referred to her was profoundly loved by all of us.
She is survived by her daughter Fran Mong; son Charles and Cindy Edwards; grandson Darren and wife Karen Mong; granddaughter Shannon and husband Bob Lane; granddaughter Sarah Cox; and great grandchildren Grace and Colby Lane; Benjamin and Cooper Mong.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Recent Stories
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
