Noreen June Monte, lovingly known as Mike since her childhood and Nanny by her loved ones, was born on June 26, 1939, in Lodi, New Jersey, and passed away on September 15, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida.
Noreen lived a life that was full and wonderfully memorable, the kind of life that could make a room brighter just by walking into it. She was the beloved wife of Anthony Monte Sr., and their marriage lasted an extraordinary 70 years, which is long enough to qualify as a true master class in love, patience, teamwork, and probably knowing exactly when to keep quiet and when to speak up. Anthony preceded her in death, and together they built a family and a life that reflected devotion, humor, and a whole lot of heart.
She was the cherished daughter of Ruth and Fred Corey, both of whom preceded her in death. Noreen was the loving mother of Corrie Gallicchio and Anthony Monte, and she was the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 9 great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and she loved nothing more than a big gathering where everyone was talking at once, laughing too loudly, and reaching for the good food before it disappeared. If there was a holiday table nearby, Noreen knew exactly how to make it feel like home, and she had a gift for making everyone feel included, fed, and slightly overstuffed.
Noreen was a woman of warmth, strength, and personality. She was loving, thoughtful, and generous, and she had the rare ability to make people feel cared for without ever making a big production out of it. She was the kind of person who could tell you the truth, make you laugh, and still leave you feeling better than before.
In her younger years, Noreen was a cheerleader in high school, which makes perfect sense, because she spent her life cheering for the people she loved. She also served as a member of the first aid in New Jersey, she was someone people could count on, whether they needed support, a kind word, or someone who simply knew how to get things done without making a fuss about it.
Noreen’s greatest joy was being with her husband, her family, and the people who filled her world with love and laughter. She enjoyed crabbing, fishing, baking, cooking Italian food, and gathering with family and friends around the holidays. She also loved vacationing to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.
Her kitchen was a place of both comfort and love. Always teaching the younger generations the family recipes. When Noreen cooked Italian food, people knew they were in for something special. Meals were not just meals, they were events, and they came with stories, laughter, and the kind of portions that suggested she believed no one should ever leave the table even slightly hungry. She understood that food was love, and she served both generously.
Noreen’s life was a beautiful example of devotion, family, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and deep love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be remembered for her big heart, her sharp wit, her devotion to family, and her ability to make ordinary moments feel unforgettable. Heaven probably got a little louder, warmer, and more interesting the day she arrived.
A visitation will be held on Thursday September 24th, 2026, from 12:30PM-1:30PM at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida. With a burial to follow at Fogartyville Cemetery 4200 3rd Ave NW Bradenton, FL at 2PM.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of arrangements.
