Doris (Fontaine) Monti, passed away May 10, 2025 at 91 years in Fairfield CA.
A long-time resident of Pt Ludlow, Doris moved to Paradise Valley Estates in Fairfield in 2017 to be closer to her sons Chris and Tony.
Doris was born in Quebec Canada, and grew up in Johnston, RI in the house built by her father, Amie Fontaine, and what was known as Hughesdale Pond. She often shared the many fond memories of being a lifeguard at “the pond” This is where she met her to-be husband Anthony and it is recalled that he often disobeyed her stern rules for no diving. Married for 55 years, Anthony, passed away in 2010 and was a US Marine Colonel.
Doris lived in many places across the U.S., moving frequently as a military family, and she made each one a wonderful home.
Doris became a cosmetologist and was extremely proud of her accomplishments and friends she made at this time in her life.
Military transfers took her and her family repeatedly from coast to coast and beyond. From Massachusetts, to San Diego, Washington D.C., and Hawaii. In 1993 Anthony and Doris retired to Port Ludlow, WA. Her family recalls this time being a real highlight of her life. Doris was not afraid to take on new challenges. At 60 she began in earnest a love of hiking and kayaking in particular and made many friends in the Port Ludlow community. She became a proud founding member of the Port Ludlow Hiking Club, President of the Port Ludlow Kayak Club, Port Ludlow Trails Committee, and was the event organizer for many events through the years in that community. The ‘Timberton Loop’ trail was a big undertaking and Doris was extremely proud of being instrumental in its development. An avid kayaker, Doris promoted safety where she taught the important “self-rescue” to anyone interested. As a keen documentarian throughout her life, she took beautiful photos of all the gorgeous scenery of the NW and beyond and this filled her home. Doris led a multitude of hiking and kayaking trips throughout the NW and BC. The stories about the ‘getaways’ with the hiking club have been re-told numerous times.
Doris would often talk about her varied travels, especially to Africa on safari and her many trips throughout the U.S., managing to work the timeshare system to its fullest. She found immense joy in talking to new friends about her encounters with Orcas, bears, and awesome natural beauty.
Doris is survived by her four children Diana Monti (Ellen), Arnell Ando (Michael), Chris Monti (Kristy), Tony Monti (Karla), and grandchildren Taro Ando, Teppei Ando, Danielle Wapnowski, Ryan Wapnowski, and Amy Wapnowski and great grandchildren Hayley, Zoe and Milo. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Rosalie, and many extended family members in RI.
The family wishes to extend warm thanks to her gracious and kind caregivers at Paradise Valley Estates.
A small private family gathering will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on June 26. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Washington Trails Association https://www.wta.org/get-involved/join, are tremendously appreciated.
