Catherine Lynn Monarca

Catherine Lynn Monarca, 64, passed away in Kansas City, Kansas on February 13th, 2024. Services has been entrusted to Larkin & Garcia Funeral Care.

Catherine "Cathy" Lynn Perez-Monarca passed away on February 13, 2024 peacefully surrounded by family and the exceptional nursing staff at KU Medical Center. Cathy was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Sally S. Perez (Garcia) and Gregory Perez Sr. on September 22th, 1959. Cathy grew up in the Westside community, on her most beloved street, 29th and Madison. Cathy and Ricardo Alaniz Sr. married in 1977 and had three children, Ricardo Jr., Roberto Sr., and Alicia Lynn. Cathy was remarried later in life to Jesus Monarca Jr. and birthed her final child, son Jesus III.

Cathy was truly a ‘Jack of All Trades’ in this life, although her academic studies were cut short due to becoming a young Mother and caregiver to her father, there was nothing Cathy couldn’t retain and be restricted from, she was a true go getter and hustler at heart. Previous employers included but not limited to; Hodes Plumbing Supply, Williams Foods, UMB, Hearthside Lending Corporation, I. Donnelly Co., Cristo Rey High School and most recently Saint Luke’s Bishop Spencer Place. Caregiving was a fulfilling occupation for her, she really made a connection with all whom she cared for. It was important to entail that personal, detail oriented, and structured service for others.

Cathy was the matriarch of the family, without a doubt. She made it her responsibility to keep the family together as much as possible since the passing of her mother Sally in 2009. Maintaining family traditions, reciting core memories through her photography, and teaching family recipes to name a few. Although Cathy had only given birth to 4 children, nurturing had no limits. She was a resource for all family & friends. That’s just what she did best, care. Nieces and nephews were bonus children in her eyes. She took a great pride in being a resourceful safe place that people could confide in, anytime…any day. She was the life of the party, tamale maker, best dance partner, family counselor, and many more. Cathy enjoyed music, dancing, going to church, cooking, being an advocate, attending concerts, hanging out with friends, shopping, cheering for the Raiders, laughing, praying, and especially being with family—no matter the occasion.

Cathy was diagnosed with Gastric Cancer in 2017 and underwent extensive lifesaving surgery. Cathy had many complications and hospital admissions post-surgery. She was not a candidate for chemotherapy at this time due to the stated above and spent a few years in remission. She was later re-diagnosed with metastatic bone and bone marrow cancer in 2021. Cathy courageously obtained a total of fifty chemotherapy infusions and three radiation treatments. She never let cancer define her; abilities, character, will, and integrity. Not to mention the battle with grief of losing her son Roberto Sr. and shortly after, youngest brother Martin Sr. She fought the unimaginable in true Cathy fashion. She was an extremely proud Mother of her own ‘personal nurse’, as she called daughter Alicia. She was encouraged by those all over the world whom are fighting this similar battle. Cathy was more than a statistic, and she proved that as she was actively passing.

She received her Commendation of the Dying also known as ‘Last Rites’ at the bedside and made peace. Family is confident that she was accepted into the gates of Heaven with open arms by those who have gone before us. She will be missed beyond measure and her loving memories will be carried on for a lifetime.

Cathy is survived by husband, Jesus “Pep” Monarca Jr.; Children, Ricardo Alaniz Jr. (Marcela), Alicia Alaniz (Raul), Jesus “Seuss” Monarca III (Rebecca); Grandchildren Ricardo III., Marissa Rodriguez (Cruz Jr.), Robert Jr., Anjali, Adela; Great Grandchildren Camilla & Cruz III.; Siblings Rita Estrada (Charles), Cristina Perez, Gregory Perez Jr., Joseph Perez Sr., Beatrice Lopez (Jesse Sr.). She is preceded in death by Son Roberto A. Alaniz Sr.; Brother Martin A. Perez Sr.; Parents, Sally Perez (Garcia), Gregory Perez Sr.