Longtime Ajijic resident Marleise “Mona Lisa” Kerrigan died on April 26 at the age of 88.
Kerrigan was born on November 11, 1925 in Ludwigshafen, Rhein, Germany. After World War II she worked as an interpreter for General George S. Patton when he was stationed in Bad Nauheim, near Frankfurt.
In 1957, Kerrigan emigrated to the United States – the “land of her dreams.” There she worked as a secretary for the Detroit Bank & Trust Co. Kerrigan then moved to San Francisco, California, where she was employed by Bank of America.
In 1960, she married James F. Kerrigan, an associate professor at Florida State University. He eventually accomplished his PhD and taught at Thibodaux University in Louisiana, passing away in 1976.
Kerrigan settled in Ajijic in 1980, the place where she had spent her honeymoon in 1960. She traveled a great deal, visiting countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Australasia, setting foot in 46 countries. She enjoyed all of her travels but her biggest love was Mexico and its friendly people. She was a great fan of classical music, especially opera.
Kerrigan is survived by one brother who lives in Germany.
She will be missed by the many people in the Lakeside community who loved her bright smile and most especially by her beloved Mexican neighbors.
In accordance with her wishes,