Rock City Falls, NY - Monica Mary Stapleton Townsend Jump, 85, long time resident of Rock City Falls, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, joining her parents, sister and brother, who she loved so deeply and missed so much. Monica was the daughter of Nell and Bill Stapleton of Schenectady sister to Eileen (White) of Dunellen, New Jersey and Schenectady and Bill Stapleton II of St Petersburg Fl. and Scotia . She was also pre deceased by sister- in- law Evie Stapleton and brother- in- law Bill (Skip) White. She is survived by her son, Jeff Townsend of Greenfield; Great Aunt Gemma Stapleton of Glenville and her former husband, Ernie Townsend of Rotterdam . Monica was also the Aunt, great aunt and adopted aunt to dozens of extended family all over the country. Her generous spirit and love of life were the constant that so many people were drawn to. Monica was born January 12, 1924 in Schenectady, where she was raised, educated, competitively speed skated, and worked, until she moved to Saratoga County in the 1960s. She retired from the Saratoga County Highway Department payroll office and spent many years after that volunteering for various agencies including the Saratoga County Visiting Nurses, CSEA and various church and social groups. She enjoyed bowling, creating stained glass art and clowning around. In fact her love of life drew her to Schenectady County Community College to become a trained clown. Jumpo the Clown was always willing to bring joy and laughter into anyone's and everyone's life. Monica loved firehouse and church breakfasts, Shirleys Diner for lunch, the table by the fireplace at the Mill Rock for dinners, and the crowd at Sarge's Triangle anytime; She loved her neighbors, Thursdays with the Seniors in Saratoga, baking brownies for those she cared about, long talks on the phone with her family and friends, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and children, anywhere, anytime. Monica was a Five Dollar Philanthropist, giving on a regular basis for many, many, years, to support many diverse causes. She believed that it was more important that everyone should have something, than that someone should have everything, so she gave a little bit to everyone while living a modest life herself. She was a born and bred Schenectady Democrat who learned upon moving to Saratoga County in the mid 60s that it was a Republican area, so she fluidly moved from Democratic to Republican circles finding no problem supporting both parties (because it was the process that was important, not the doctrine) and making dear friends that lasted a lifetime. Voting was an obligation of citizenship, and she obliged in every election from school board to the White House. Monica had an uncanny knack for remembering names even later in life when she could not remember other things, probably because names were kept in her heart not her mind, and her heart was big enough for all of them. While having many great qualities she did have a few vices; Stewarts decaf (light and sweet), Wendys chocolate frostys, and lotto tickets every week, no excuses. Monica depended on the long time council and friendship of Dr. Angela Condy and her family appreciates the kindness of the Doctor, her staff and the staff of Saratoga Hospital in her time of need. Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Funeral services will follow at 8pm at the funeral home. Burial will be 10am Tuesday in the family plot at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Donations may be made in Monica's memory to a charity of one's choice, because "it's more important that everyone has something, than that someone has everything. Rest in Peace. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.