Joan Helen Monastero, 85, of Leesburg, Virginia passed away unexpectedly on December 15, 2020, due to a cardiac event. Born on August 21, 1935, in Alexandria, Virginia, she was the third of seven children of the late Frank T. and the late Helen (Grabski) Slivinski. Joan was also preceded in death by her brothers Frank Jr. and Stanley Slivinski, sister Mary McLaren, brother-in-law Bill McLaren, and sister Susan Slivinski Gallahan.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 63 years, Frank V. Monastero Sr.; sister Judith Miller and husband Dennis; brother James Slivinski and wife Ann; daughter Joan Wang and husband Carl; daughter Theresa Brenner and husband Brian; son Frank Monastero Jr. and wife Lori; son Michael Monastero and wife Laurie; grandchildren Kristin Myzie and husband Curtis; Nicole Brenner and husband W. Ross Grogg, IV; Carl Wang; Michelle Shoriak and husband Michael; Michael Wang; Joseph Monastero; Ryan Monastero; Matthew Monastero; Nicholas Monastero; and Anthony Monastero; five great-grandchildren Jacob Myzie, Evan Myzie, Stella Grogg, Mabel Shoriak, and William Grogg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joan attended school and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. She was an active member at St. Rita's Catholic Church where she participated in CYAC, the Catholic Young Adult Club, through which she met and married her husband and the love of her life. Joan worked hard to establish her family and make a comfortable home during their many moves while Frank was transferred along the East coast during his career with DEA. They made many cherished, life-long friends along the way. After raising her children, Joan served her church, volunteered at local charities, particularly Birthright, and treasured her family, especially her grandchildren, who also treasured their Gramie, her snuggles, her legendary sleepovers, and their memories of eating baked ziti and ice cream sandwiches, doing crafts, and playing cards at her house, and of her making them into "sandwiches" as she tucked them in. Joan's husband Frank often said that she took such good care of all of us and that we would all be riding her coat tails into heaven.

Joan loved to dance, was a wonderful cook, an avid reader, and loved and served the Lord her whole life. Her sisters were always her dearest friends. Once her family moved back to Virginia permanently, she spent many hours visiting with them and her mom, playing cards and sharing stories.

The family is forever indebted to the dedicated and loving caregivers at Spring Arbor Cottage of Leesburg (dementia wing) who took such wonderful care of her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests masses said in her name or contributions to Birthright of Loudoun, 16 Royal Street SE, Leesburg, VA  20175.

While there is nothing Joan loved more than a party, especially if it included her large, beloved family, due to the current health situation, the funeral will be limited to a private funeral Mass for the immediate family at 11 a.m. on December 19 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Purcellville. Those who would like to view the livestream of the funeral virtually are invited to do so by following this link at 11 a.m.:

https://saintfrancisparish.org/changes-to-church-calendar-and-events-during-covid-19/

Family and friends are welcome to attend the burial at the graveside afterward, which will be held in the cemetery of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, VA, 101 Oakcrest Manor Dr. NE, at 12:30 p.m. A celebration of life will be planned for 2021, on or near her birthday.