Mona E Gualtieri

On December 31, 2024, Mona E. Gualtieri passed away at her home in St. Clair Shores. Mona was a beloved grandmother, mother, wife and friend during her incredible 81-year life. She died peacefully after a brave fight with lung cancer. Mona was born on June 3, 1943, in Windsor, Ontario, to Grant and Marion (Maynard) Mills, one of five children. After moving to Dearborn, Michigan, from Ontario in 1952, she graduated from Dearborn High School in 1960. She entered the workforce immediately, embarking on a 50-year career. In 1965, she married Joseph Gualtieri, who passed away in 1997. They raised two boys in their homes in Detroit and Grosse Pointe Farms. Mona and Joe provided a fun, loving environment for their sons and their friends, who considered the Gualtieri house a second home and enjoyed movie nights, card games, free life advice, and Mona’s famous chicken wings. Mona was a pioneer in automotive sales–rising from a secretary at General Motors to fleet and leasing manager at several dealerships, to owner of her own successful sales and leasing companies. In a hard knock business (especially for a woman in the 1970s and 80s), she excelled through grit, grace and determination. Known throughout the metro area as the “Car Lady,” Mona provided dedicated service to many of the Detroit area’s major utilities, police departments, and trade associations. She retired in 2010. Mona was also active in her community and gave generously of her time and talents to many charities and organizations, including Bon Secours and St. John Hospitals, Eyes on the Classics, and as president of the Windwood Pointe condo association. Mona surrounded herself with countless friends and enjoyed their company as an avid card and game player and restaurant-goer. With Joe and her friends, Mona also became an enthusiastic golfer. Mona is predeceased by her husband Joe and brother Archibald. She is survived by her son David, his wife Wendy and their two children, Mia and Maxwell of Washington, D.C.; and her son Douglas and his wife Maureen of Talkeetna, Alaska. She also is survived by her brother Grant and sisters Joelle and Gail and many other family members and dear friends. A celebration honoring Mona's life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, noon-3pm, at Bayview Yacht Club, 100 Clairpointe Street Detroit, MI 48215. Memorial donations may be made to Wigs4Kids of Michigan. The family thanks the many caregivers and wonderful friends for the love and attention they showed Mona. Plans for a Celebration of Life later in 2025 will be announced. Share memories with the family and check back for service updates @ www.WujekCalcaterra.com.

Mona E Gualtieri

June 3, 1943 - December 31, 2024