Mona Alice Romandia

Mona Alice Romandia, 73 years old, of Morgan Hill, California, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on July 28, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Manuel and Josephina Silvas, Mona was a bright light from the very beginning. She lived her life with grace, kindness, and a deep devotion to those she loved. Known for her warm smile, generous spirit, and welcoming nature, Mona had a unique ability to make everyone she met feel valued.

Mona grew up to become a passionate, lifelong learner and a dedicated educator for 25 years. After graduating from high school in Brawley, California, she earned her Associate of Arts degree at Imperial Valley College. She went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies at San Diego State University, followed by her teaching credential at Chico State. Deeply committed to her profession, she later earned her Master’s degree from Fresno Pacific University. Her impactful master’s thesis, which tracked the long-term academic journeys of her first-year students in the Bilingual Education Program twelve years later, was published in the Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE) Journal.

Mona began her teaching journey working for Migrant Head Start in Chico, California, before dedicating the remainder of her public school career to Porterville, California. There, she taught kindergarten and first grade at Vandalia Elementary School and Santa Fe Elementary School, where she proudly helped pioneer the Bilingual Education and Dual Immersion Programs.

In her retirement, she moved to Morgan Hill, where she lovingly cared for her grandchildren and spent 11 years volunteering at the Charter School of Morgan Hill while they attended school. Her love for children ultimately drew her back to the classroom, where she worked part-time at Little Sonshine Day Care in Morgan Hill. Most recently, she spent the last two years volunteering with the Sobrato High School Marching Band, supporting the program where her oldest granddaughter attended school.

Outside of the classroom, Mona found great joy on the golf course, as well as in sewing, knitting, gardening, and various other craft projects. She put love into everything she created, sharing her talents and handmade treasures with those around her. Mona was also deeply dedicated to staying connected with her family, finding immense happiness in long phone conversations with her beloved siblings and cousins. As a true educator at heart, she loved "rescuing" books and classroom supplies, ensuring they found a second life and made their way from one school to another where they were needed most.

Mona’s family was her proudest achievement and her greatest joy. She was a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, always offering unconditional love, wisdom, and support. Her legacy of love, creativity, and laughter will live on through the generations she nurtured.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Roberto Gabriel Romandia; her daughter, Susanna Alicia Blake, and son-in-law, Randel Paul Blake; and her cherished grandchildren, Diana Alicia Blake and Joanna Amelia Blake. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Harry Silvas, Frances Mireles, David Silvas, Virginia Jordan, Eva Howard, and Ruby Luera, along with their families.

Mona was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Josephina Silvas, and her brother, Lorenzo Silvas.

Service Information

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

• Family Viewing: 11:00 AM at Habing Family Funeral Home (129 4th Street, Gilroy, CA 95020)
• Public Viewing: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Habing Family Funeral Home
• Funeral Service: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Habing Family Funeral Home
• Reception: Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM at the I.F.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall (250 Old Gilroy Street, Gilroy, CA 95020)
• For additional service information, please email susannablake14@gmail.com.