Hanover, NH – Libera “Lee” Monaco (née Della-Germania) passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at the age of 99.
Born in New York City, Lee spent many years in Little Neck, NY, where she raised her family. Her life later took her to St. Thomas, where she owned and operated an antique shop for a decade, combining her entrepreneurial spirit with her lifelong love of antiques. She eventually returned to Great Neck, New York, before settling in Hanover, NH, where she remained until her passing.
Lee was an avid antique collector and dealer, widely admired for her deep knowledge and enthusiasm. She delighted in sharing her expertise and was always eager to educate anyone curious enough to ask. In Hanover, Lee became a beloved fixture at St. Thomas Church’s annual Jumble Sale, serving as the jewelry expert. Affectionately known as the “Queen of the Crowned Jewels,” she managed the Crowned Jewel Room and, over the years helped raise tens of thousands of dollars in support of local nonprofit organizations.
Lee was predeceased by her children Barbara (Kurt) Schimke, Laura Monaco-Reed, and Thomas Monaco, as well as her son-in-law Wayne Woodbury.
She is survived by her children John Monaco, Elizabeth Woodbury, Janet (Dave) Layne, Antonia Monaco, and Jennifer (Tony) Maglietta; her son-in-law Vernon Reed and former daughter-in-law Nancy Monaco; her grandchildren Gisela (Travis), Dedrick, Jake (Ryland), Jacki (Robert), Matthew (Hansini), Craig, Mitchell, Frankie, Peter (Rose), Ronnie, Joey, Anthony (Danielle), Michael (Rachel), and Nicholas; and her great-grandchildren Anna, Eli, Tommy, Noah, Daisy, Sophia, and Olivia. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members who will miss her greatly.
Cremation will be private. A brief memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1:00pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lee’s memory to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH.
Rand-Wilson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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