Remembering Stacy Mondal: Family shares her impact as a mother, person

Stacy was killed in senseless act of violence in November 2023

(BRIGHT, Ind.) — Maleighna Mondal and her siblings will never forget the love and support of their mother. 

“No matter if it was a school activity or sporting event, she was always there, and no matter what was going on at home, she was always kind to everyone around her,” Maleighna said. 

Maleighna is now 19-years-old and recalls how her mother, Stacy, also made every holiday and birthday special for her and her four younger brothers.

“She had the most spirit for those events and for family time, and I cherished every single moment I had with her,” said Maleighna.

Maleighna was in her senior year at East Central when everything came to a sudden stop on November 6, 2023.

Stacy Mondal was shot and killed in a senseless act of violence. She was shot while riding in a car as a passenger to a family photoshoot in Ohio. Stacy's two youngest children were in the backseat.

The person responsible for pulling the trigger was her husband and father of her kids.

“Our lives were turned upside down in a moment's notice. We not only have had to grieve the loss of one parent, but both of them,” Maleighna said. 

Last week, Mohammed Mondal accepted a plea deal in a Hamilton County courtroom and was sentenced to 25 to 30 years in prison. 

It marked the end of an extremely difficult chapter for the family. But Maleighna won’t let that nightmare impact her future or the future of her siblings. 

“I always say that I don't want to carry hatred for the rest of my life, but I won’t let my father’s actions control who I become or how I am perceived, and that is the same for my brothers too,” Maleighna said. 

Remembering Stacy Sullivan Mondal

Stacy grew up in Bright and graduated from East Central in 2002. She had a very close bond with her parents and Maleighna experienced that closeness as well.

“Her mom was her best friend and she really tried to implement the importance of family time into us. I would definitely say that mom was my best friend too,” Maleighna said. 

Stacy’s top priority was spending time with her five kids. Whether that was being at practice, a school function, a camping trip or family vacation. 

Maleighna added that some of her favorite memories were the small moments, like her and her mom getting their nails polished or just lying in bed and talking. 

Jason Sullivan is Stacy’s brother and reiterated how much family really meant to Stacy.

“The holiday parties were always at Stacy’s and she was always at the kids' functions. She really didn’t do anything else except be everything for the kids. Stacy's house was a hub for their kids and the kids friends, and they were constantly doing something,” Sullivan said. 

Always Showing Kindness

Before the tragedy occurred, the Mondal’s seemed like a perfectly normal family. 

They were always involved in school activities and Stacy was often found talking with other East Central mom's on the sidelines. 

Maleighna said it never mattered what was going on at home, her mom was always nice to everyone. 

The past couple years have shown Maleighna the importance of being kind because you never know what another family is going through. 

Maleighna is now attending the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash. She is doing well in college but is also focused on making sure her younger brothers are doing well in school too. 

Her four brothers are ages 17, 13 and then just 3 and 2. 

The age gap concerns Maleighna at times because two of the five siblings will never get to remember their mother's touch.

“Three of us got to experience her love, her confidence and her compassion. The two youngest boys will never get that and will have to learn about mom through pictures and stories,” she said.

Community Support

During those most difficult moments, the family did notice the support from the community.

They are thanking those around the area for generosity shown during those trying times along with the support that continues today.

“The community response was amazing from the start of this. That vigil really meant a lot and ever since that happened we’ve had people checking in on us, and it would have been very tough to get through this without that support,” Jason Sullivan said. 

The family added that their one request is that those who pray, continue to pray for them.

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We thank both Maleighna and Jason for their strength and bravery to be willing to share their story. We also appreciate Rachel Reynolds who connected us with Stacy's family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they overcome the loss of not only Stacy, but also Stacy's father, Charles, who passed away in May.