MARJORIE MONAHAN

Marjorie B. Mohahan, 89, an advocate of higher education for senior adults, died Saturday, May 22, 1999, at her home in Cape Girardeau.

Born Feb. 23, 1910, in East St. Louis, Ill., she was the daughter of Eugene Wright and Rhoda Belle Burton.

On Dec. 2, 1933, she married Jerome G. Monahan, who died July 20, 1977.

Although neither finished high school, Mrs. Monahan had said it was her late husband who inspired her and their children to continue with their educations.

In 1969, at age 50, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wayne State University, meaning she earned all A's and B's.

Remembered by her teachers as a truly remarkable person, Mrs. Monahan attended classes at Southeast Missouri State University, and in 1992 was the oldest student there.

Frank Nickell, director of the Great Books and Great Decisions program, said, "She was one of my best students." He said Mrs. Monahan had "a great desire for learning. She continued to be curious and continued to learn all her life."

She is survived by her children: Dr. Dell Monahan, a radar analyst in Alta Loma, Calif.; Vard Mohahan, a certified public accountant in Alta Loma; Dr. Melodie Monahan of Rochester, Mich.; Melinda Monahan, a registered nurse in Las Vegas, Nev.; and Dr. Dean Monahan, an English professor at Southeast Missouri State University.

There will be no visitation, and her body will be cremated, as she wished.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the SEMO Regional History Center.