Mona Eileen Tanzola 91, died peacefully of natural causes, leaving Silver City bound for heaven on May 6th, 2016.

Born in Brooklyn NY on January 7th, 1925, Mona led a long and colorful life.

A graduate of Phoenix Art Institute in NYC, she began her artistic career as a commercial artist for the Harry Watts Agency in Manhattan. She studied under Norman Rockwell, Arthur Barbour and Franklin Booth among others. Her talent for portraiture earned her wide acclaim and she was among the first women to be awarded membership in the Salmagundi Club of New York City.

Mona lived and worked in Saddle River NJ until 1974 when she and husband Jim moved to Silver City. Mona loved the community and quickly began teaching art at WNMU. Her award winning work hangs in many public and private collections in Grant County where Mona was also a member of the Grant County Art Guild.

Mona is survived by her son and daughter in law, Kas and Nancy Nelson of Silver City, granddaughter Analisa Denny of Fort Worth, Texas, grandson Ian Nelson of Silver City, daughter Kristen Fisher of Colorado Springs, Colorado, granddaughter Kelly Garrity of Silver City, granddaughter Collen Reyes of Boulder, Colorado, grandson Robert Garrity and stepson John Tanzola of San Antonio, Texas.

Mona was predeceased by her husband Dr. James R. Tanzola in 1997.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: High Desert Humane Society, P.O. Box 1973, 3050 Cougar Way, Silver City New Mexico, 88062 575-538-9261

The family asks that those attending Mass in celebration of Mona's life, please wear color. Mona was a master of color and light. She would have appreciated this.

Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 575-388-1911.

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