Monica L. Van Wegen
April 20, 1979-Dec. 25, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Monica L. Van Wegen, an Amador Valley High School track star who motivated countless others, died on Christmas morning after a five-year battle with brain cancer. She was 32.

Monica was able to live an inspirational and fully functioning life until her final weeks. Her life was always filled with tremendous energy and enthusiasm to enjoy every day to its fullest. The enthusiasm was very contagious and fun to be around.

Her energy found an outlet in running. She started by winning the 400-yard rabbit run at Valley View School and the 400-yard race at the Hershey Nor Cal Meet in San Jose, both while in the fourth grade. She ran competitively with great success for 11 years. She ran for fun and fitness for her entire life. Through running, she discovered her life?s work and passion as a fitness trainer and physical therapist.

The running, school and work took Monica to Eugene, Ore., San Diego, Chico, Los Angeles, Tiburon and Sun Valley, Idaho.

Monica recorded many accomplishments at Amador Valley, including: 1997 NCS 800 meter champion; 1996 Amador HS 4x400m relay team that was 8th fastest in the nation, 3:45.94; 1996 Amador HS NCS Championship Cross Country team; EBAL 200m record holder, Three time EBAL Cross Country Individual Champion; and a member of eight Amador HS Track and Cross Country teams that were EBAL Champions or Co-Champions.

Monica?s humor, hard work and example have been an inspiration to many, many people, and she will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Monica is survived by her father Gary, mother Loretta, sister Jennifer, boyfriend A.J. Denton and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at Valley Community Church, 4455 Del Valle Parkway, Pleasanton, Calif.

11:30 a.m. - Service at Valley Community Church, 2:30 p.m. - Burial at St. Augustine?s Cemetery, Pleasanton, 3:00 p.m. - Reception at Valley Community Church

Donations in memory of Monica can be made through PayPal to: Monica Van Wegen, at the email address: jvanwegen@yahoo.com

The family would love for all who knew and loved Moe to attend.