Monroy Family: Resilience & FAITH

The Monroy family´s story is one of survival and strength. Fleeing Chile´s 1973 coup, five siblings built new lives in Sweden and the USA, facing challenges with courage. Their journey highlights hard work, community, and the power of family. Through hard work, they thrived, with many active members in the Christian church and in the Swedish Armed Forces. A veteran´s survival in Bosnia during the war and a shooting in Sweden highlights their resilience.

la familia monroy

The story

This is the story of the Monroy family. It´s a tale about respect, love, and teaching, told through many years of big changes. Their family started a long time ago with Spanish explorers in Chile in the 1500s. But in 1973, after Pinochet took power in Chile, they had to make a big change. The five brothers and sisters, Pedro, Patricia, Guillermo, Juan-Carlos and Jacqueline, ran away to Sweden and USA to find a safe place.

Their journey shows how strong they were to survive. In Sweden and the USA, they had to learn a new language, get used to a different way of life, and start their lives again. They worked hard in many jobs, like in factories and helping people in hospitals, and they did well in their new home.

The family stayed close, and helping their community made them stronger when times were hard. Their story shows how being strong, brave, and working hard can help you live a good life. They have respect and love for their new countries, Sweden and the USA.

The Monroy family is not only known for surviving, but also for what they gave back to their communities. Many family members are now in the Swedish Armed Forces, one family member went on dangerous missions in Kosovo and Bosnia during the Balkan War, and showed great bravery. One family member even lived through a shooting in Stockholm in the 90s, where a gun was held to his head and fired. The bullet only scraped his forehead, which shows how strong the faith within the family is.

For many generations, the Monroy family has shown that with courage, working hard, and never giving up, you can get through anything. Their story is inspiring and proves that families can build bridges between different cultures and leave behind a story of strength and hope.

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The bloodline

The 1970s were a dramatic time in Chile, with the military junta led by Augusto Pinochet seizing power in a bloody coup in 1973. The Monroy family was forced to flee their homes in Santiago, going into hiding from house to house to evade soldiers and security forces. The military coup and Pinochet's seizure of power killed thousands of people, and over 100,000 people were imprisoned for varying lengths of time.

This was a traumatic experience for the family. However, thanks to the Swedish Salvation Army, they were eventually able to escape to Sweden and begin a new life. This meant learning a new language and adapting to a different culture, while also mourning the loss of their homeland, family members, and childhood friends, many of whom were tortured or disappeared under the Pinochet regime.

They survived and persevered through the difficult first years in Sweden and the USA. Now, after 50 years in their new homeland, they wish to share a story of survival, adaptation, and a new beginning. It is also a story of finding their place in the world, discovering new opportunities, and facing challenges together as a family.

The Monroy family´s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and strength in the face of adversity. This family, with roots tracing back to the Spanish conquistadors of the late 15th century, was forced to flee their homeland of Chile after the 1973 military coup led by Augusto Pinochet.

Despite the challenges of leaving behind their homes, businesses, and way of life, the Monroy family was determined to start anew. With three brothers, Pedro, Guillermo, and Juan-Carlos, and two sisters, Patricia and Jacqueline, this large family embarked on a journey across the globe to Sweden. In Sweden, they faced the daunting task of starting from scratch: learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and building new lives. But with unwavering determination and a strong family bond, the Monroy family proved that anything was possible. Working hard in factories, construction, and healthcare, the Monroy siblings established themselves in their new community. They never forgot their roots and continued to celebrate their Chilean traditions and culture.

Their story is a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of the most difficult circumstances, we can overcome and thrive. The Monroy family´s journey is one of inspiration, hope, and resilience, a true example of the power of family and community in times of hardship.

Today, the Monroy family is a sprawling clan of thirty-eight, including children and grandchildren, living in Sweden and the USA.

la familia monroy

The MONROY FAMILY IN CHILE

The Monroy family has a long history in Chile, dating back to the late 15th century. The family held a prominent place in Chilean society, with many members successful in business and politics. They were also known for their philanthropic activities, supporting various charitable causes in the country.

However, their comfortable life in Chile was shattered by the military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet in 1973. The Monroy family, like many others, faced persecution and violence under the new regime. Family members and friends were arrested and tortured, and some of the family´s businesses were confiscated.

Amid this turmoil, the Monroy siblings decided to leave Chile and start a new life in Sweden and the USA. The countries was seen as a safe haven for political refugees, attracting them with its reputation for social welfare and democratic values.

Despite the challenges of leaving their homes, businesses, and way of life, the Monroy family was determined to start a new life.

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THE MONROY FAMILY IN SWEDEN

The Monroy family had always been close, but their bond grew even stronger after they were forced to flee Chile in the 1970s. The coup d´état led by Augusto Pinochet made it impossible for them to remain, and they chose to start a new life in Sweden. The journey from Chile to Sweden was not easy, but with determination, hard work, and a strong family bond, they were able to overcome the challenges and establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs and professionals in their new home

Karlstad & stockholm

The five siblings arrived in Sweden with only their skills and a desire for a new life. They took any jobs they could find, including working in restaurants, healthcare, construction, and the postal service. Despite language and cultural barriers, the Monroy siblings quickly learned and excelled in their respective fields.

"We first settled in a refugee camp in Karlstad, a small town in the heart of Sweden. The cold weather and unfamiliar language made it difficult for us to adjust at first, but we soon found work and started to make a life for ourselves."

Once in Stockholm, the Monroy family quickly adjusted to their new homes and began to take advantage of the opportunities that Sweden had to offer. Over time, they were able to establish themselves in their new community and make friends. Despite the challenges, the Monroy family never forgot their roots. They continued to celebrate Chilean traditions and culture, such as the annual Fiestas Patrias, where they would gather with other Chilean families in Sweden to eat traditional food and dance the cueca.

They opened several businesses and invested in real estate in Stockholm and other Swedish cities. The Monroy family became known for their hard work and dedication. They were also active in their local church and often hosted events.

Today, many of the Monroy family´s children are engaged and active in the Christian church and in various industries. Some serve in the Swedish military, upholding values of service. Others have found success in tech companies, driving innovation. Perhaps the most significant contributions are in healthcare. Several family members have become nurses and teachers, strengthening the Swedish healthcare system.

The Monroy family´s legacy is a testament to the power of determination and family ties. They have proven that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. They continue to inspire future generations.

The Monroy family has since grown, with the children and grandchildren of the original five siblings, living in Sweden and the USA, where the two sisters now living in Sweden and one brother living in Chile.

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The Monroy family's medieval history

The Monroy family is a noble Spanish family with a long and distinguished history dating back to the medieval period. The family originated in the municipality of Monroy, located in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain.

The earliest known member was a knight named Ruy Monroy, who lived in the 12th century. Over time, the family became one of the most influential noble families in Extremadura, with many members serving as knights, soldiers, and courtiers to the kings of Castile.
One of the most famous members was Diego García de Monroy, a close friend and ally of King Alfonso XI of Castile. He played an important role in the Castilian War of the Two Peters.
The Monroy family also played an important role in the Reconquista, with many members involved in the conquest of Granada in the late 15th century.

Throughout the medieval period, the Monroy family held numerous titles and positions of power, including Grand Master of the Order of Santiago.

Today, the Monroy family continues to be an important and influential family in Spain, with many members involved in politics, business, and other fields.

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CONQUISTADORS WITH THE SURNAME MONROY IN CHILE

There were several conquistadors with the surname Monroy who arrived in Chile during the colonial period. The exact number is difficult to determine as historical records from that time are not always complete. However, here are some examples of Monroy conquistadors who arrived in Chile during the 16th century:

Francisco de Monroy: He arrived in Chile in 1535 as part of Diego de Almagro's expedition. He was one of the founders of the city of La Serena and later participated in the conquest of Peru.
Juan de Monroy: He arrived in Chile in 1550 as part of Pedro de Valdivia's expedition. He participated in several battles against the Mapuche and was later appointed governor of the city of Valdivia.
Francisco de Monroy y Meneses: He arrived in Chile in 1595 and served as governor of the city of Valparaíso.