Oneida County Legislator for District 12, Brenda McMonagle, died of breast cancer on July 27, leaving behind friends, family, colleagues and constituents that will miss her.
She first took office in 2020.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. made the announcement of McMonagle’s passing on Sunday, July 28 on social media.
Three days prior, McMonagle posted her last public statement.
“Last chemo treatment has been postponed, as I’m in the hospital,” she wrote on Facebook. “More to come when I feel better. If you don’t hear from me, you know why… I’m under the weather.”
'A smile as big as the sun;
McMonagle had her 15th chemotherapy infusion on July 11, according to her Facebook account, and was on her 22md week of treatment. July 25 would have been her final round of treatment, which would lead to surgery and then radiation.
Through it all, she remained positive — just like she always had.
Picente had this to say about his colleague:
“Brenda was full of life and left us far too soon,” the county executive wrote. “She was always vibrant and had a smile as big as the sun that was always present. There was not a more positive spirit, even during her struggles. ”
And her friend and colleague, Oneida County Legislator Cynthia Rogers-Witt, D-4, couldn’t agree more — even as they both fought cancer together.
“We both got diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time, back in February,” Rogers-Witt said. “She was so upbeat and so positive that everything was going to be okay. She was an inspiration to me because I was scared. I followed her lead.”
Rogers-Witt said McMonagle brought upbeat, positive energy wherever she went, from meetings to caucuses and everywhere in-between.
“Brenda was so civic-minded, too,” she said. “She was very involved and very active in her district — even as recently as the tornado… She always wanted to help people.”
Even while going through chemotherapy, McMonagle was using her social media outreach to advise people where to go and what to do. Just like she always had, she used her social media presence to be involved with her constituents, putting them at the forefront.
Calling hours for McMonagle will take place on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road in Rome.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home.
“To her family, she was everything and more,” Picente wrote. “As a legislator, she was always learning and had a passion for the betterment of her Rome community and all of Oneida County.
She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband David and sons Hunter and Hayden.”
Rogers-Witt said that McMonagle raised awareness and encouraged women to get tested
When asked about the future of the Board of Legislators, Rogers-Witt said she believes there will be an appointment of someone to finish out McMonagle’s term.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida County legislator dies, remembered for her positivity and civic mindedness
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