On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Monique Marie Richison slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God. She was born on May 7, 1964 in Quebec City, Canada. Seven months later, she came to the United States on election day in November 1964 as the adopted daughter of Charles and Leonie Richison. Monique Richison became an American Citizen on October 3, 1972.
She enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Muncie, Indiana before moving to Florida in 1973. Her father was a builder and she learned skills from him that she cherished and used throughout her life. Charles Richison was the first man Monique truly loved. Charles “Chuck” Edwin Sackett, III, was the second and last man she loved and the one she loved the most. She never dated anyone else and married him on October 18, 1986. They moved to Mount Dora in 2003. Their 30-year renewal of vows in 2016 is testament to a love that only grew stronger during their 36 year marriage. Their bond was never broken. His love never wavered and he was by her side until she went home to be with the God she worshiped.
Monique is survived by her husband, Chuck Sackett in Mount Dora, FL, her birth mother Jeanne Simard, a half sister Julie Simard, and a half brother Jean (John) Simard, all of whom reside in Canada. She is also survived by a vast number of friends who stood by her side during her final journey and will miss her smiling face and sense of humor. She was that one person you should never look at in a meeting when laughter would be inappropriate. She was that one person you could always call for a spur-of-the-moment adventure.
Hard work was her mantra and she led by example. Monique always gave more than she took. She enjoyed the wonders and mysteries of nature and gardening was a passion. She loved her country and her patriotism was palpable. She greeted veterans at the airport returning from an Honor Flight to Washington, DC and volunteered many years at the Mount Dora Patriot Cruise & Salute event to honor those who served and sacrificed. She loved to travel, walk the neighborhoods and rescue cats – lots of cats owe their lives to her. Monique graduated with high honors from Daytona State College with an A.A. degree. She was a 4-H Club member from 1975-1983 and served as club, county and district president. She was active in Mount Dora city government, served on the Mount Dora Police Pension Board and volunteered for festivals and other city activities. Her elf costume came out of the closet every Christmas to bring joy to small children.
No visitations are planned. A celebration of life service will be held on her birthday, May 7. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cornerstone Hospice (https://cornerstonehospice.org/) or the Cat Protection Society (http://thecatprotectionsociety.org/). Condolences may be mailed to 745 Hilltop, Mount Dora, FL 32757.