Dolores C. Monaco

Dolores Costa Monaco, 94, passed away peacefully on September 28, surrounded by her loving family. Dolores lived a full and beautiful life defined by devotion to her family and the joy she found in the people and traditions that meant the most to her.

Born in Philadelphia to Frank and Julia Costa, Dolores was one of seven children. She attended Southern High School, graduating early at the age of 16, and went on to Temple University where she earned an associate degree. Soon after, she met Dan, a handsome dental student, on a blind date on a tennis court. They married and moved to Woodbury, New Jersey where they began raising their family. They later moved to neighboring West Deptford where they lived in their cherished Queen Street home for over 40 years.

Dolores and Dan traveled the world regularly, but they felt most at home in their summer houses in Ocean City. A long-time parishioner at St. Patrick's Church, Dolores was a devout Catholic and attended Mass faithfully. She was also a familiar presence at Tavistock Country Club where she enjoyed golf and was a formidable bridge player. Dolores loved hitting the casinos in Atlantic City where she was a master at the blackjack tables, and her meatballs and “Sunday gravy” at weekly family dinners were legendary. Her favorite pastime, however, may have been talking on the phone, often several times a day, with her beloved sister Mary.

Dolores was affectionately known as “Herby” and lovingly nicknamed “The Queen” by her grandchildren. Sharp and engaged until her final days, she kept up with the latest news, pop culture, politics and sports. She rarely missed a Phillies game and never lost her quick wit or curiosity about the world around her.

Dolores was predeceased by her beloved husband, Daniel, and her son, Daniel (Arlene).

Dolores is survived by her daughter, Michelle McMonagle (Brian); her son, Mitchell (Jayne); sister Mary Ciavardone; her seven grandchildren, Lauren, Rachel, Danielle, Kristen, Nikki, Brian and Julia, and her two great-grandchildren, Mia and Wesley.

Dolores will be deeply missed by her family and by all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Friday, October 9, 2026 from 8:00am until 10:00am at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter St., Woodbury. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am at Holy Angels Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, 86 Cooper Street, Woodbury. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association in Dolores’s memory at www.heart.org/en/why-give