Elfriede “Jessie” Monaco, 73, has passed after a long illness on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.  She was born in Hackensack and was a lifelong resident of Lyndhurst.  Her friends and family knew her as “Jessie," the stage name she created for herself.  Jessie was born and raised and educated in Lyndhurst.  Pursuing her true self, Jessie attended and graduated from SVA, School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and began her career, first as a designer in the fashion industry of Manhattan, then in several media companies as a Graphic Artist. Jessie continued her passion and work as a Freelance Graphic Artist, culminating in 2023, when she created, wrote and illustrated her book, “Nature Draws Itself."  She was very proud of this piece, that embodied who she was as a person.  Jessie embraced a spirituality of kindness, integrity and empathy to all people and all living things, especially animals.  She was engaging and honest and loved making people laugh through her wonderful sense of humor and captured people’s attention wherever she went.  It’s not surprising that Jessie was very musically talented and played the drums.  She was a bandmember and drummer for various rock and R&B groups that played throughout New York City and New Jersey, including, “Hot Pink," "Upper Hand," and “20th Century Fox."  It was an all-female group, that opened for the Weather Girls at “Sweetwater’s" in NYC. 

Oscar Wilde argued that “Life Imitates Art” and Jessie lived her life through her art, her music and her actions and although sad, she is gone from us, we will continue her legacy of love and kindness.  Jessie is predeceased by her beloved parents, Frank & Elfriede Monaco.  She is survived by her dear brother, Frank Monaco and her dear friend and sister by heart, Laura Giardina. Also survived by her endearing family and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held at the Nazare Memorial Home Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, beginning at 9AM.  A celebration of Jessie’s life will begin at 10:30AM.  Interment to follow, Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jessie’s memory to the Lyndhurst ASPCA.  You may express condolences to her family by using our tribute wall.     

To view Jessie's tribute video, please click here.