Mona Mae Zarling

Mona Mae (Elsham) Zarling

June 9, 1923-June 11, 2026. The Grand Dame has passed; she held court surrounded by family, friends and community until her passing at age 103.  Born in Siren, Wisc, raised in Madison, the only daughter and youngest of five children. She lost her father at age 11, her mother at 16, her brothers predeceased her by over 30 years.  Married at 21 to William Elsham, with whom she had four children.  She remarried in 1974 to the love of her life Dr. V. Richard Zarling, with whom she shared over 30 of her happiest years.  Throughout her life she created community wherever she went -- bridge club, rug club, church groups, golf and tennis clubs, Lakeside/Windsor Court/Balsam Lake/Wentworth communities, and finally the community at Lexington Landing and Friday night dinner group.  She had a staggering sense of style.  A beautiful woman, she never spent much on clothing or time getting ready, yet caught everyone's eye when entering a room. Known for entertaining and a wonderful cook, she made Valentine's Day a national holiday within her family. Outward thinking and resilient, she treasured celebration and participation. But clearly the light was dimming when this year she could no longer push herself to celebrate Mother's Day at Sommerset. Survived by daughters, Nancy Jardine (Jim) and Susan Grande (Dr. Thomas Grande); sons, William Elsham (Claudia) and Robin Elsham (Rieko); brother-in-law, Dr. Max Zarling (Debbie); nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and a multitude of loving relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM, Mon., June 22, at Church of the Assumption (51 7th St. W., St. Paul 55102). Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Mpls.  Memorials preferred to the Earl Grande, Val, V. Richard Zarling Stroke and Stem Cell Lab at the U. of Minn. or The Advocates for Human Rights, Mpls.

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