Memories of Monique Yenamandra | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Monique Yenamandra

Saint Louis Park, MN

1969 - May 1, 2025

1969 - May 1, 2025

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Marius & Phedra Toderas

2023, Maryland, USA

Monique visited us in Maryland not long ago. During this visit, she noticed our problems with the pups, especially in the walking department. Instead of judging us or just directing us on what to do, she shared her rehabilitation experience and process with Coco. She laughingly told us of their many mishaps with and how they were steadily overcoming them. She explained her thought process, referenced examples and books and even practiced alongside with us. She did not make us feel less than or useless, but she made us feel supported and capable of improving. Since her visit, we’ve been practicing her tug and treat method and with each session, we do feel an improvement. Each time our walks improve, this improvement always reminds us of her and her determined and incremental approach. I know when our pups are fully “walkable” she will be to thank and with each walk, she will be remembered. Her contribution is not only with our pups but with many other things. She’s always been a friend and place of comfort during our visits to Minnesota. Someone to play cards with, someone to discuss books and philosophy with, someone to look to as an example of openness to worldly experiences. She’s played a role in inspiring us to traveling fearlessly and make friends along the way and most importantly, she’s raised Sanjay and Samyu in such a way that they will be positive and thoughtful pillars in their communities. Our love goes out to the Yenamandra’s and the Benson’s during this hard and unfair time. We will do our best to honor her legacy.

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Jan Geisen

Beth Chaplin

Jana Wagner

Big Lake, MN, USA

Oktoberfest

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Sarah Larson

Beth Chaplin

2021, Dakota Dog Park, Dakota Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN, USA

Monique, Coco and Javy. Happy times!

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Comments:

Cathy Madison

So many great Coco & Javy stories! Delight all around. So many great Coco & Javy stories! Delight all around. So many great Coco & Javy stories! Delight all around.... Read more

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Deb Levine

I’m grateful to have gotten to know Monique and her lovely family in Mexico this year. She was simply amazing. I’ll be keeping her in my heart and mind for a long, long time. May Monique’s memory be a blessing.

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Sarah Larson

Monique was one of the most captivating and unique dancers I've ever seen. Her beauty, skill, and intelligence shone through at all times.I loved dancing with her, and also, just chatting. I grieve for all who were lucky enough to cross paths with her, and especially, her family. With all the love there is,Sarah

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Beth Chaplin

Cassandra Shore

Please consider a donation to any cause of your choice.

$1,150.00

Raised by 10 people

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Sarah Larson

Orange County, CA, USA

Being playful--and she made it!

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2

Beth Chaplin

Cassandra Shore

Melanie Meyer

Sincere condolences on the passing of Monique. The loss is immeasurable; but so is the love left behind. May the special memories of her help you get through this difficult time. 🥰

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Cassandra Shore

Kate Southwick

Monique was an amazing dancer, excellent teacher, and kind person. I am lucky to have danced with her and known her. It is difficult to accept that she left this life so early.

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2

Cassandra Shore

Jan Geisen

2013, The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge, Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA

One of the many dance performances of Monique that I photographed — with Monique Yenamandra

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Courtney Faragher

Cassandra Shore

Ramani Duvvuri

2024, Times Square, Manhattan, NY, USA

We will miss you Monique!!

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Michelle Benson

Comments:

Ramani Duvvuri

Though we met only twice, we gathered some amazing memories with you. From experiencing your patience, calmness... Read more Though we met only twice, we gathered some amazing memories with you. From experiencing your patience, calmness and kindness to... Read more Though we met only twice, we gathered some amazing ... Read more

Michelle Benson

Ramani, thank you for your thoughtful and kind words. I don’t believe we met, but just knowing that Monique... Read more Ramani, thank you for your thoughtful and kind words. I don’t believe we met, but just knowing that Monique was loved by so many... Read more Ramani, thank you for your thoughtful and kind words.... Read more

Amina West

My deepest sympathies to her family in this sad time. Monique was a mentor to me when I started Middle Eastern Dance back in the early 1990s… we performed together out at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival one year and she was so welcoming and helpful to a new dancer to the dance company she was in. I will always treasure her kindness, support, and calm demeanor before a performance; she taught me a lot, perhaps without realizing it. She now dances with the angels and spirits who guided her.

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Michelle Benson

Comments:

Michelle Benson

Amina, what a sweet gift. Thank you for sharing it with everyone. Amina, what a sweet gift. Thank you for sharing it with everyone. Amina, what a sweet gift. Thank you for sharing it... Read more

Libbie Henderson

Monique was a creative, loving person along with being a wonderful dancer. The world will be a poorer place without her. My deep condolences to her family. Libbie Henderson

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Amina West

Michelle Benson

Cassandra Shore

Cathy Madison

The day before she died, Monique was at my house, where yoga mates had been meeting weekly for years. In the middle of one of her many mesmerizing stories, she interrupted herself, mid-sentence, to tell us how much she appreciated and loved us. That was Monique. Whether recounting events, reciting poetry, or spreading happiness, she was always full of life and spirit. She leaves a very big hole.

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Jason Benson

Sarah Larson

Michelle Benson

Beth Chaplin

Cassandra Shore

Comments:

Michelle Benson

Thank you for the beautiful story, Cathy. I can just picture her doing that. Thank you for the beautiful story, Cathy. I can just picture her doing that. Thank you for the beautiful story, Cathy. I can just... Read more

Ros Telisek

I was so sorry to hear about Monique's passing. She was such always positive and friendly person.

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Cassandra Shore

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1

Comments:

Cassandra Shore

I have no words to convey my feeling of loss and sadness. I have no words to convey my feeling of loss and sadness. I have no words to convey my feeling of loss and sadness.... Read more

Carter Lebares

To Monique's husband and sons, who I'm sorry I don't know, Monique was my closest friend for some key years as kids (at South). So beautiful, funny, tough, genuine, loving. Unlike anyone else I've ever met. Unparalleled among her peers. A truly remarkable person who changed my life. A force of nature with a sassy shy smile, phenomenal style, killer sense of humor and natural compass toward being herself regardless of the crowd. I'm so glad she had you - totally what she deserved: to be loved, surrounded by friends, and dancing. If I can find some old pictures I'll bring them to you. My heart breaks...

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Louise Page

Sarah Larson

Michelle Benson

Comments:

Cathy Madison

Exactly right. A unique treasure who claims an important place in all our hearts. Exactly right. A unique treasure who claims an important place in all our hearts. Exactly right. A unique treasure who claims an important... Read more

Louise Indritz

My first and longest memory of Monique is through the local belly dance community. Her performances were effortless and full of joy. I enjoyed taking her classes! I remember how smart, and funny, she was when we were in the same social events. She will be missed.

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Courtney Faragher

Michelle Benson

Mia (Kurtti) Gutierrez

Monique was a sweet friend. Deepest sympathy to her family. <3

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Michelle Benson

Heidi Hamilton

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1

1

Michelle Benson

Comments:

Heidi Hamilton

I remember Monique from High School as such a beautiful person. I am shocked and saddened to learn her passing.... Read more I remember Monique from High School as such a beautiful person. I am shocked and saddened to learn her passing. My deepest condolences... Read more I remember Monique from High School as such a beautiful... Read more

Carrie Reay

Shared a heart

Eloisa Beyer

2010

Monique was a very special and wonderful person! I met her during belly dancing classes and I will Never forget her beautiful smile and friendly face. She was a talented dancer and one of my favorite performer ! My prayers and condolences to her family. RIP my sweet beautiful Monique ❤️🙏

Love

Eloisa Beyer

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Amina West

Michelle Benson

Marty Loso

2024, Big Lake, MN, USA

Oktoberfest with Friends from German Speakers Group

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Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Monique's family or funeral.

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Please consider a donation to any cause of your choice.

$1,150.00

Raised by 10 people

Learn more & give

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Created with love by Sarah Benson (Monique's sister-in-law), Jason Benson (Monique's brother) and Murthy Yenamandra.

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