Monique Angelique Mancini, 60, Dodge Center
With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Monique Angelique Mancini, who left this world peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:40 p.m. in Rochester, Minnesota, following medical complications due to an infection. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Born on June 3, 1965, in Berkeley, California, to Irene Lilya and the late Frank Espinoza, Monique was a woman with a heart of gold—always kind, endlessly thoughtful of others, and forgiving to all. She carried an unwavering love for her family and especially cherished her role as a grandmother. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her wonderful sense of humor, and her ability to bring joy and laughter wherever she went. Her presence was a gift of warmth, comfort, and light to everyone who knew her.
Monique’s life was deeply rooted in her faith in God. Her trust in His love guided her through life’s joys and struggles, and she found strength, peace, and hope in her walk with Him. Her faith was a light not only for herself, but also for those blessed to share in her journey.
Above all, Monique treasured her family. She and her husband, Monte Mancini, shared 37 years together—a journey marked by both love and struggle. Through the ups and downs, their bond endured, and the love they held for one another was evident in the life and family they built side by side.
She found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments—whether creating beautiful crafts, collecting Betty Boop treasures, listening to her favorite 80s soft rock, or gathering with her family. Her light shone brightest when she was with the ones she loved most.
Monique is preceded in death by her beloved son, Jacob Mancini; her father, Frank Espinoza; and her mother-in-law, Penny Brown.
She will be forever remembered by her loving husband, Monte; her beloved children: Jonathon (Libby) and their children Giovanni and Arabella, Nickole and her daughter Noella, Alieena and her daughter Angelina, and Mikayla Mancini; and her cherished stepson, Marcus Jannings. She is also survived by her parents, Irene and Gary Lilya; her siblings: George (Rosie) Lilya, Gina (Benito) Tamez, Tiffany St. John, Crystal Lilya (Dan Bell), and Dean Lilya; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Monique’s kindness, love, faith, humor, and devotion will continue to ripple through generations, reminding us all of the power of forgiveness, the strength of family, and the beauty of unconditional love.