ST. GEORGE — Monica A. Lombardo, 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in her beloved home in St. George.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 12, 1951, she was the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Frey) Upman. Monica grew up in Ellicott City, Maryland, where she graduated from an all-girls Catholic high school. During her school years, she attended a dance where young Coast Guard Cadets served as dance partners for the students. There she met Kenneth Lombardo, a charming young man from St. George, Maine. As they danced the night away, a beautiful love story began. Ken and Monica were married shortly after and built a life together filled with love and family.

Monica's professional life was defined by two careers that reflected her nurturing spirit. She began as a baker at Dave's Restaurant in Thomaston, where her legendary yeast rolls became a local sensation, bringing customers back day after day. When she retired after nearly 20 years, her recipe was so treasured that Dave purchased it to continue the tradition. Monica then found her second calling at the Owls Head Homestead, where she served as a caregiver for another 20 years. She formed deep, lasting bonds with residents who became like family to her. Even after retirement, her generous spirit continued as she regularly baked homemade treats for the residents she had come to cherish.

Baking wasn't just Monica's profession — it was her passion. She delighted in collecting recipes from magazines and perfecting them in her kitchen. Her family treasured her signature creations: dinner rolls that melted in your mouth, whoopie pies that became a birthday tradition, her special "grammy bread" that could never be replicated, and her rich, simmering spaghetti sauce that brought everyone to the table. Monica found her greatest joy in family gatherings, especially during holidays, where she could feed everyone generously and spend precious time with her beloved grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Lombardo, and a brother, James Vincent Upman; Monica is survived by her sons, Jamey Lombardo and his wife Karen of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Nick Lombardo of Tenants Harbor; her siblings Paul Upman and his wife Lee of Maumee, Ohio, Jerry Upman and his wife Kathy of Catonsville, Maryland, Joe Upman and his wife Kerry of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; her seven grandchildren, Adriana Lombardo, Lizzie Lombardo, Griffin Lombardo, Max Lombardo, Jack Lombardo, Lily Lombardo and Alphonse Morris-Lombardo; as well as many nieces and nephews and a large extended Lombardo Family.

Monica’s family has chosen to remember her life privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with them, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.