Caterina Nicoleta Monaco Tonagel's Obituary
Caterina Nicoleta Monaco Tonagel, at the age of 88, entered eternal rest peacefully on early Friday morning, March 31, 2023, at Restoration Senior Living Center. She was born in Italy in the Puglia region on December 5, 1934, to Nicolas and Eva Tutino Monaco. Rina was a remarkable Christian woman, fluent in three languages, a trained seamstress, a terrific cook, caring mother and wife, whose love and life-long devotion was dedicated to God, family, and friends.
She is survived by her adoring children Daniel Tonagel (Kim), Diana Tonagel, Debra Rivoire (Dwayne), and Doreen Picone (Joseph). Caterina was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren: Michael Tonagel, Danielle T. Thiel, Vincent Tonagel, Brody C. Sears, Doriana Sears Bleker, Julia Sears Milton, Caterina Picone, Margarite Picone, Nicolas Picone, and Angeleigh Tonagel; twelve great-grandchildren: Broc Sears, Madelyn Sears, Trent Tonagel, Brayden Tonagel, Corlyn Bleker, Shae Tonagel, Aubriella Milton, Vivian Tonagel, Celine Bleker, Ezra Milton, Karson Milton, and Judah Bleker. She will be dearly missed by her nieces, Elizabeth and Jaqueline Jones, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends.
Caterina was preceded in death by her loving husband Ricardo Tonagel of 64 years, her parents Nicolas and Eva Monaco, her sister-in-law, Elsa Tonagel Senra, her sister Maria Monaco Jones, and her beloved grandson, Michael Tonagel.
A native of Italy, Caterina emigrated to Argentina and then moved to Louisiana after her marriage, where she lived in New Orleans and then Harahan. For the past twenty-seven years, Caterina was a proud resident of Covington. Caterina was a founding member and devoted, active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mandeville.
Caterina was loving, compassionate, and most of all a very caring person to all. She especially enjoyed fishing and caring for children. However, her true passion was spending time with her loving family and friends. Caterina was unique and irreplaceable, well respected and liked, and will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her jovial spirit and tender nature will remain in the many memories of her cherished friends and family until they meet her again.
The Tonagel family expresses their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by Deborah Francis, her kind and loving caregiver.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington Louisiana on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM until service time. Interment will take place in the adjacent Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, at 2280 W. 21 St Avenue, Covington, immediately following the service.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222 has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
The Tonagel family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Caterina?
What’s a lesson you learned from Caterina?
Share a story where Caterina's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Caterina you’ll never forget.
How did Caterina make you smile?
