The government, business and nonprofit leaders in the Virgin Islands are expressing condolences at the passing of Alda Monsanto. The former director of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority died in Florida Jan. 7.
Monsanto leaves behind a decades-long record of service to the people of the Virgin Islands as a public housing executive, a labor negotiator, and the founding board chair of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. For more than 60 years, she shared her life with the late Austin “Babe” Monsanto — also a dedicated public and civic servant.
Those who remembered her call Alda Monsanto a trusted adviser, a beloved family member and a plainspoken confidant of those working to benefit the community. “Alda Monsanto’s legacy of selfless service, philanthropy, and unwavering dedication to her community will forever be remembered,” said Community Foundation President Dee Baecher Brown.
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett recalled her as someone to count on when seeking good advice. “She was a good friend and a tremendous source of counsel and guidance for so many in our community. Miss Alda’s commitment to service in our community spanned many decades, both in the public and private sectors,” Plaskett said. “My last conversation with Mrs. Monsanto was at an art opening on St. Thomas. She was there not only in her capacity as Board Member Emeritus of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, but more importantly as a supportive Virgin Islander.”
Monsanto’s public service began in the early 1970s when she led the administration at the Housing Authority. New duties followed in 1983 when she took on the role of chief negotiator for the V.I. government. Still, she found time to work with young job seekers through a St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce training program.
As she wrapped up her public service, Monsanto brought her experience as a board member to Merchant’s Commercial Bank as they began offering services to the territory. “Her contributions to our bank and the community will be felt for generations,” said the bank’s Chief Executive Officer James Crites.
The funeral agreements are scheduled to begin Feb. 10 with a viewing at Turnbull’s Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral Feb. 11, starting at 9 a.m.
Those who would like to send tributes and photos for those occasions are asked to send them to tributes340@gmail.com. Deadline for tributes and photos is Jan. 29. Those who wish to donate flowers or a wreath are asked to call 340-774-9370.
