Mona I. Punch

Mona Isabella Douglas Punch was born to Randolph Hawthorn Douglas and Marion Isabella Douglas (nee Warner) in Port of Spain, Trinidad on November 25 1930. Mona was the second of 4 children. Her siblings were Angela, Desmond and Clive. Mona often spoke of the fond memories she had growing up with her sister and brothers. Mona graduated from Nursing School in June 1950, with a Nursing license and began her career shortly thereafter. On December 7,1953 she earned her certification as a Registered Nurse. Additionally, Mona earned her certification as a Licensed Midwife from the Medical Board of Trinidad on July 1, 1955. As a Licensed Midwife, Mona assisted in several hundred births. In February 1958, Mona married Victor Gordon Punch and they settled in Port of Spain. Over the next 5 years, the couple had 4 sons: Kevin, aka Junior, Kerwin, Colin and Kurtis. During the 1960’s nursing shortage in the United States, skilled nurses throughout the Caribbean emigrated to the United States to take advantage of the demand for Registered Nurses. Though the relocation to America would mean temporarily leaving her husband and 4 young children behind, Mona and Gordon decided the opportunity was too good to ignore. Like some of her dear friends and nursing colleagues before her, Mona left Trinidad on October 31,1966 for America. The following year on August 17, 1967 the family reunited in Brooklyn, NY. Shortly after, Mona and Gordon purchased a house in Cambria Heights in January 1969. Later that year, she registered as a Sacred Heart parishioner and enrolled her children in Sacred Heart School. Mona resided at her home for the remainder of her life and was a faithful Sacred Heart parishioner. Mona had an outstanding work ethic. She often worked double shifts (16-hour days) as a Private Duty Registered Nurse working at Long Island Jewish Hospital, Flushing Hospital and Booth Memorial Hospital. Mona eventually, joined the staff at the Queens Hospital Center Eye Clinic where she worked for several years. In December 1995, she retired – concluding a 45-year Nursing career. While Mona achieved success in her professional career, her family was of primary importance. She was extremely proud of her 4 sons and strove to instill in them the need to work hard, and above all, be good men. She impressed upon her children, nieces and nephews the importance of education and excellence in the classroom. Mona cherished her role as proud matriarch of her extended family. Over the last 6 years, Mona faced a few health challenges which she valiantly fought, determined to be there for her family. However, during the early morning on July 27, 2022, Mona peacefully passed away. Mona is predeceased by her siblings, husband Gordon, daughter-in-law Shikina Punch and nephew Gerry Douglas. Mona is survived by her sons (Kevin, Kerwin, Colin, Kurtis), daughters-in-law (Donna Punch, Valerie Buxton-Punch, Gail Punch, Jacqueline Townsend), her sisters-in-law (Joyce Douglas, Rosita Douglas), many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren, her partner Evans Parris, a host of very close and dear friends – too numerous to attempt to name. With love, The Family

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