Monica is and always will be an example of excellence. She was an amazing partner in ministry, a wonderful friend, and a faithful witness to the Catholic faith. She loved with all of her. Completely. Whatever she did, she did well and with love. She cared for those to whom she committed to teach the faith through natural family planning. She was generous with her time and patience.

There are so few people we encounter whom we can truly say lived their faith. Well done, good and faithful servant. May God welcome you with open arms.

Mónica es y será siempre un ejemplo de excelencia. Fue una compañera maravillosa en el ministerio, una amiga maravillosa y una fiel testigo de la fe católica. Ella amaba con todo de ella. Completamente. Todo lo que hizo, lo hizo bien y con amor. Cuidó de aquellos a quienes se comprometió a enseñar la fe a través de la planificación familiar natural. Fue generosa con su tiempo y paciencia.

Hay muy pocas personas con las que nos encontramos de las que podamos decir verdaderamente que vivieron su fe. Bien hecho, buen y fiel sirviente. Que Dios te reciba con los brazos abiertos.

Leyden Rovelo-Krull

When I think of Monica, the first thing that I remember is her warm smile and knowing that that warmth came directly from her dear heart. She was a very special woman in that way, and our family is so grateful for those times we spent together, chatting and laughing. We will miss her!!

She was a strong woman, and now I see that strength in you, Naomi, Zuri and Gabi. That beautiful strength that you showed when you stood up to remember your Mom and even speak about her at her funeral. That inner strength that your Mom passed on to you as her gift will be something that will serve you throughout life. Every time you use that strength, your Mom will be by your side. And Camilo too, Monica's spirit will always be next to your heart, supporting you, guiding you, cheering for you.

Much love from all of us,

Heather, Paulo, Koah and Amari

I Will remember Monica as fun, loving, gracious, vibrant and smart. We were pregnant at the same time; i remember Gabby bundled up and her warmest wishes when I had Isla. Monica had a way of cutting though superficial chat and getting to the heart of the matter. Although we lost contact after we left the Waldorf School, I am deeply saddened by her loss. I send my condolences to Camilo and the girls - although it is likely little comfort, I want you to know I am thinking of you all. Brandie Cormier (mom of Lucas, Rosa, Isla Gaskell and spent happy afternoons at Ms Avril’s with your mom).

If…..if only??

If we could wind back time & clock

And if only, have Moni here

If we could listen…..hear her voice

Soft, warm and of good cheer

If we could see her here and see her there

Her love, her laugh, her beautiful smile

The ways she ministered, the ways she missioned

The ways she walked that extra mile

But who are we to question?

Who are we to ask why?

We can but only with pondering hearts

Reflect, reminisce, mostly cry

For our God of land, sea and sky

Has his plans for each of us

And no matter how we choose to live

He decrees our earthly timing thus

Yet despite what seems unfair, unjust

For us and our Moni, dear to all

Who sought to live with Godly faith

She received with grace her final call

And so with each and every passing day

Through pain and sorrow and river tears

We gather, reflect, kneel and pray

We celebrate with love her wonder years

Rest in Peace, Monica, in the Glory of the Lord. Rest in peace. xx

If…..it only if we can live like you….

Lester Cantem

To my precious girls: Your mama was the most beautiful person and I was so blessed to know you and your family. I still remember coming to Zuri’s 3rd. birthday when your family brought me to your house and it was just me celebrating with you all. My heart is so broken for you and I love you and your family so much! Please contact me as I hope to keep in touch. I will always be here for you girls and your dad. Love you all so much. Many blessings as your momma continues to watch over you on angel wings. I’m also on Facebook under: Artwork by Elaine Lee. I love you girls soooo much! Please share this with Monica’s family if you are reading this. Love Elaine (your tiny friend in the electric wheelchair from church)

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and knowing Monica through the gym. We bonded over our love for dance and our love for our kids. Monica was an amazing individual that lit up the room during class with her endless energy and charm. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. May the fond memories of Monica give you peace, comfort, and love during the days, weeks and months ahead.

The world is a little less bright without you, Monica, but everyone you touched will carry your spirit.

Acompañandolos con un gran abrazo de solidaridad.

Familia Pineda

Colombia, Costa Rica y Francia

My family and I had the privilege to know Monica.

Monica touched so many people and truly had a gift to connect to people. It is hard to believe she’s gone. I

think that our individual and collective memories tell us of the kind of woman Monica was. They tell us of her being a person of support, care, and growth both personally and as an example for everyone that was around her. I believe that her spirit will continue to be with us until the end of each of our lives.

God bless you Monica and your family

Rest in peace my beautiful friend. We will miss you for ever.

Mi familia y yo tuvimos el privilegio de conocer a Monica. Mónica tocó a mucho gente y realmente tenía el don de conectarse con la gente. Es difícil creer que se haya ido.

Creo que nuestra memoria individual y colectiva nos habla del tipo de mujer que era Mónica. Nos hablan de ella como una persona de apoyo, cuidado y crecimiento. Creo que su espíritu seguirá estando con nosotros hasta el final de cada una de nuestras vidas.

Dios te bendiga Mónica y a tu familia

Descansa en paz mi hermosa amiga. Te extrañaremos por siempre.

De Mónica puedo decir, que mas que mi cuñada, era como una hermana. Siempre estaba con la mejor disposición para todo, especialmente resolviendo temas de salud. Me daba cátedra en nutrición para cuidarnos mejor. Siempre tan preocupada. Hablábamos de temas varios. Sus hijas, mis amadas y adoradas sobrinas y mi hija María Alejandra (Alekas) siempre han sido un punto muy fuerte de unión. De cómo van creciendo y sus personalidades. "Cada una es una caja de sorpresas", me decía... las amaba y las comprendía en sus diferencias.

Amaba a Camilo y lo admiraba. Para mí, Mónica era el amor. Admiré su sensibilidad, su sensibilidad, su naturalidad, su inteligencia, su dedicación al estudio, al ejercicio tanto físico como mental y espiritual y ese don tan especial para ayudar a los demás. Su sonrisa y calidez la llevaré por siempre en mi corazón. Naomi, Zuri y Gabriella serán en la vida lo que ella y Camilo forjaron en su hogar. Su temprano viaje físico me duele profundamente, no hay palabras para expresarlo.

Para mi sobrinas y hermano todo mi amor y acompañamiento. A su hermana, hermanos y todo el conjunto familiar, Rincón - García y Flórez-Góngora nos fundimos en un solo abrazo porque el sentimiento de soledad que deja Mónic es abismal. Gracias por todo y por tanto. Nos deja grandes enseñanzas y huellas imborrables. Hasta siempre querida hermana!!!

All my love to the Flórez Rincón Family. My heart is broken and I wish for me and all my family much strength. Being Monica's niece has been an honor and I will miss her always. Monica left us great lessons and much love. Bon voyage dear Moni, you were a wonderful woman and I hope your beautiful light will always illuminate our path. I take refuge in poetry to calm this pain: "I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart" E.E. Cummings.

Alekitas

My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. I will remember Monica as pure love and light, making the way brighter for all on her path.

Valda Harris

My husband Diego met Monica and Camilo in San Diego around 18 years ago. A Warm Catholic couple that offered friendship and companion to a young physician studying abroad. That was the beginning of a long friendship that expanded to different family members and kept despite the distance. We remember Monica, Camilo and Zury in happy moments at our wedding 15 years ago. Over the next years , we had interesting conversations with Monica about science, motherhood and Catholic faith. Monica recommended us “10 minutes with Jesus” audio meditations and we still listen them and recommend to other friends. Monica helped us also in difficult moments and share her happiness, music and warm hearth with our children. I’m sure God has Monica with him and send blessings to all her family and friends, specially to Camilo and the girls. A big hug from Bogotá and our condolences. Adriana

To Camilo, Naomi, Zuri, Gabriella, Martha, Alfredo,Orlando, Andres and Lester.

I didnt know Monica but after reading her Obituary I see what an amazing woman she was.

To all of you I send my deepest, heartfelt condolences and prayers. Monica’s favourite verse Jeremiah 29:11 is a much loved verse that God spoke to Jeremiah who suffered much ridicule and hardship all his life. He is known as “the wailing prophet”. In its literal sense one might wonder what plans God was talking about. It goes way beyond this life and is about Eternity. Ultimately through the suffering God’s plan was to prosper Jeremiah’s soul. So, too, it is with Monica.

I pray that knowing this will bring you peace knowing that Monica is now with the Lord she loved. These words are easy to say but difficult to live out. By the power of the Holy Spirit may you all be comforted and upheld in the heart of God. With love and prayers.

Jean Sheehan - Cousin of Lester Cantem -Australia.

Mónica llegó a nuestra familia gracias a nuestra búsqueda por hacer la voluntad de Dios respecto a nuestra planificación familiar. Siempre tuvo palabras amorosas, consejos oportunos, correciones fraternas, disposición para la escucha entre muchas más cualidades. Sus conversaciones siempre iban encaminadas a agradar a Dios. Lo que más extrañaré es la forma maternal con la que lograba que nuestros anhelos de apertura a la vida se hicieran de la mejor manera de forma que cuidaba nuestra salud corporal y espiritual. Qué gran lección ha dejado a mi vida y cuánto siento que ya no estará entre nosotros. Por otro lado creo que el Señor la estaba preparando para ir al paraíso. Nuestras oraciones están con su familia. Así como ella nos acogió en su vida acogemos las súplicas de oración de sus hijas, esposo y demás familiares. Nuestros hijos sabrán quien fué e intentaremos seguir su legado de amor por la vida como el Señor lo disponga. Que la Vigen María te acoja y junto a Santa Teresita sigue derramando una lluvia de Rosas querida Mónica.

Hasta el cielo,

Heidy Sanchez

Coco y Olga

Monica...Moni..Monito...así te llamamos y te recordamos con todo nuestro cariño..nombres que encierran la grandeza de espíritu, la nobleza, la solidaridad, la incondicionalidad que significa la amistad en toda una vida...nos quedan momentos compartidos... espiritualidad...tantos valores compartidos de familia...de conocimiento...de profesionalismo...ha Sido un honor...te amamos mi Moni y te llevaremos en nuestro corazón por siempre...Gracias...ya con Dios y la Virgen sigue siendo luz en nuestro camino...Dios te bendiga por toda la eternidad.

Conocí a Mónica por mi trabajo con Natural Womanhood. Ella buscaba ayuda económica para parejas que desearan aprender algún método de NFP/FAM y nosotros montamos un fondo de becas con ese fin. Ella de Colombia y yo de Costa Rica, conectamos inmediatamente y puedo decir que nos hicimos más que colegas, amigas. Su lucha constante por ayudar a mujeres y parejas a encontrar soluciones naturales para problemas de fertilidad no tenía límite. Estoy segura que desde arriba ahora podrá ayudarnos mas a difundir esta realidad tan liberadora y beneficiosa para la humanidad! De parte mia personal y del equipo de Natural Womanhood, ofrecemos nuestras oraciones por la familia de Mónica y por su alma, que ya sabemos está enseñando su mejor sonrisa!

Silvia Coto

I’m sincerely sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences, sympathy, thoughts and prayers to family, love ones and colleagues.

I met Monica at the gym as she was one of my regular participant of my fitness classes. She was such a light and joy, her energy and enthusiasm lit up and elevated everyone’s mood! She will be very much missed but she remains with us in spirit.

May she rest in heaven.

Much Love,

Elisa Choi

Dear Monica,

You and I got to know each other in the backyard of the Calgary Waldorf School. Then you came to help me chase the children around in my dayhome. You were always a favorite of the little ones we cared for and it was an extra joy to get to know your beautiful girls as well.

I love the combination of smart, sassy, and spiritual that you are. No matter what our topic of conversation (and there were many!), there was sure to be some insight and inspiration emerge from it. I have never met a more spiritually connected person and, whenever my own faith wobbles, I think of you and feel stronger. You make a mean salad, have such a bright spirit, and I am blessed to call you my friend.

I don’t worry about you over on the other side – you are probably spreading your light as usual. I do feel sorry for us here without you. You will be greatly missed. Please reach out to all the people who miss you, touch our hearts from where you are now (as you did when you were here) and know that we love you still.

Love, Miss Avril xoxo

Conocí a Mònica en la Iglesia Saint Michael. Rezábamos el Rosario y me encantaba la espiritualidad como lo hacía. Me encantaba la paciencia con que hablaba y el amor que reflejaba cuando estaba con su familia. Siempre tenía una sonrisa en su rostro y siempre tenía un consejo maravilloso que compartir. Le pido a Dios que le dé la fortaleza necesaria a toda su familia para superar este dolor y que Dios le dé el descanso eterno a su alma. Amiga fuiste un Ser súper especial en este mundo, te extrañaremos, pero sabemos que desde el reino de Dios cuidas a tu familia y seres queridos.

Camilo, Naomi, Zuri y Gabriela,

Yo conocí a Monica voluntariando en la biblioteca de St. Michael's.

Camilo por esa época estaba trabajando fuera de Calgary y para tener tiempo de familia viajaban ocasionalmente a visitarlo. Gabriela estaba aun en camino. Y admiraba cómo la familia era una gran prioridad para ella.

Siempre vi en ella una persona muy brillante, inteligente, pero en especial mágica en dar un consejo lleno de profesionalismo y al mismo tiempo con mucho amor.

Admiraba mucho como hacia tantas cosas para tener un ingreso extra en la casa como cuidar del jardin del colegio durante el verano, dictar clases de baile en el sotano, siempre con una idea brillante y una sonrisa inagotable.

Su defensa por la vida, la familia y la entrega total de la pareja, era algo que adoraba hacer, cómo educó y ayudó a muchos desde niños hasta adultos a entender lo que llamó San Juan Pablo II, la teologia del cuerpo.

Es muy triste decir hasta pronto a alguien tan especial, pero se que Dios la llevó con El. Le pido de todo corazon que les de mucha fortaleza a todos en la familia, que cada día su recuerdo como madre y esposa sea un momento para pensar en que ella trataba de hacer todo pensando como lo haria Jesus. Dios está con ustedes en este momento y la Virgen Maria esta de su lado para darles todo el amor.

Un abrazo

Magda

Querida Moni:

A mi mente llegan tantos momentos compartidos durante tantos años; primero como compañeras de estudio, luego como amigas y después como madres, nuestra gran pasión. Sé que en el lugar en el que te encuentres debes estar en paz, con la tranquilidad que da la tarea bien hecha; prueba de ello es tu hermosa familia. Te extraño Moni, te quiero con todo mi corazón y allí siempre estarás.

Con cariño,

Claudia Rodríguez

Monica and I met in Berkeley, California, almost 30 years ago. We were both studying English at the same school and from the 1st day we knew that our friendship would last forever. What a beautiful time that we lived in during that time.

Then life separated us for a while because each one of us returned to their respective countries, but fate brought us together again several years ago and our love, complicity and trust always remained intact as if time had never passed.

Monica was one of my best friends, despite living far away we felt close because true friendship knows no borders, no time, no space, it is simply a strong bond that unites two people forever.

Monica was an unconditional friend and one of the wisest and most intelligent people I have ever met. Her family was always the most important to her, as well as her desire to help others.

Dear Moni, you don't know all that I learned from you and all that I admired you for your strength, for being humble and for your wisdom. You always had words of comforting and kindness when I needed the most.

I will miss our endless conversations about life, love, family, and about the scientific topics that you were so passionate about, and you explained them to me in such an easy way, you always made everything complex seem very easy.

My beautiful friend, you were unique, sweet, funny and unrepeatable.

Fly high, dear Moni, certainly the sky is lightning up with your presence and with your smile that relieves any sorrow.

I will always love you, miss you and I hope to see you there!

My heart goes out to her family, to Camilo, y las niñitas.

Siempre te recordaré con cariño y gratitud querida Mónica. Gracias por tu compañía, tus palabras, tu cariño, tu entusiasmo, tus enseñanzas y varios momentos de oración. Descansa en la Paz del Señor.

Mis condolencias a tu esposo, tus niñas y toda tu familia.

Dios bendiga su descanso. Paz en su partida

Lamento mucho la partida de Monica, mujer adorada y especial. Siempre con una sonrisa, mostrando alegria y llena de energia. Que Dios la tenga en Su Hogar y le de la fortaleza a su querido esposo e hijas para aceptar Sus decisiones. Los tendre en mis oraciones. Luz Elena

I met Monica at the gym, I’m so sadden to here of her passing. She brought such joy and enthusiasm with her. I will think of her every time I go and try and remember to clap to the music

My deepest condolences

I met Monica at work. At the time I was six months pregnant and I will never forget how excited she was about the baby. I remember she offered me all sorts of support from food to clothes to baby sitting. That was Monica: generous, open-hearted, and selfless. Family was everything to her!

When Monica was writing her thesis, she was juggling family, work and the stressful writing process. I asked her how she can manage it all. And with that Monica-smile on her face she told me that she has her girls and her faith, and that she won’t give up because she wants to be a good role model for her daughters. I will always admire her for that!

Monica, you were a wonderful, strong and inspiring woman. And with so much energy - I cannot believe you are gone! My heart-felt condolences to Camilo, Naomi, Zuri and Gabi. Rest in peace Monica ❤️

I met Monica at the gym. She was such a friendly woman, and a great dancer. Her Zumba moves inspired us to move our hips. She was a bright light and always had a smile for all of us. We miss her! Please accept my sincere condolences.

Sylvie Hepner

I didn't know Monica well but we enjoyed sharing the same name and celebrating St Monica's day. She was quick with a smile and I sure loved to see her dance and sing with the music at the end of masses. Sending prayers for Monica and all her family and friends. May she rest in peace and love.

Siempre voy a recordar tu dulzura ,y tu tierna y sabia manera de aconsejar;Gracias Monica por tus lindos consejos en el momento que más lo necesite .

Siempre te voy a llevar en corazón, buen viaje ...

I used to meet weekly with Monica and other moms from the class, and Monica always had a smile on her face. She brought so much positivity to the world around her. I will always remember her teaching me how to make patacons, and I will think of her whenever I do. My sincere condolences to Monica’s family.

I often saw Monica at St. Michael Parish and noticed her great hair styles. One day I approached her to ask where she had her hair done and she happily shared the information. A few years later, much to my joy, there she was at a Carmelite meeting. We recognized each other and Monica recounted how she had been looking to find a Secular Carmelite Community for a long time. She had found a pamphlet at the Church foyer, called immediately and then waited for some time to begin her Aspirancy year.

The discernment and formation period of a Secular Carmelite is approximately 6 years, Monica made it almost half way, yet, like St. Therese de Liseux, she had firm assurance of her vocational calling, reflecting great zeal, dedication and spiritual maturity. She loved Carmel and her passion to live a life “in Allegiance to Christ” was a powerful inspiration to all.

It was amazing to learn about Monica through the stories of many visitors who went to see her during her final days. She touched countless lives and leaves memories of profound kindness and compassion. As someone blessed to be touched by her love, she lifted me up with gentle encouragement during a very challenging time in my life…she was a Light of Christ in my deep darkness.

We often carpooled and I couldn’t help but notice the tender affection expressed between Monica and her daughters as she left the house…so many hugs and affectionate clinging.

The last time we were together before Monica’s hospitalization, she spoke passionately about her faith…she said she had found the Pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45)…there is no doubt.

Among the many treasures of her legacy…Monica’s beautiful smile and deep Joy will live strong in our memories…the Joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

My heart felt condolences to Camilo, all family members and to the communities who were blessed to know her. Rest in peace precious Moni.

I met Monica in Carmel. I was surprised how much longing she had for God. During one of our sharing she mentioned with a deep sigh that we can’t die until we complete our mission on earth. She always gave her whole heart to whatever task she was doing. Once we were asked to introduce ourselves during one of our meetings. Everyone was briefly stating their name and how they were brought to Carmel. When it came to Monica’s turn, all she talked was about God. I noticed how her eyes were shining and how beautiful she was when she talked about God. She took probably close to 10 minutes. After that everyone relaxed and became so much more open when sharing their stories.

Another time I noticed that Monica brought a big backpack with her to our meeting. I asked if she was going on a picknick. She said that she will show me what is in her backpack. She took a “Liturgy of the Hours” book in a handmade cover and she said that this cover was made for her by her dear friend. Then she showed me a pencil box and she said that it was handmade for her by her another friend. These and many other were the items that were very dear to her heart.

Then once I asked her about the picture of the virgin Mary in her room during our Zoom meetings. She said that this picture was painted by a youth in Columbia who had a drug addiction, but after he experienced a conversion he started drawing beautiful pictures of the Virgin Mary. Monica said that this picture is very dear to her.

At another time when we were singing “Salve Regina” I asked Monica if she understood Latin in that song. She immediately translated every word to me from Latin to English.

A few months ago Monica phoned me and said that she is trying to help a Ukranian refugee named Lesya to be successful in Canada. She met her at the gym where Lesya was her Pilates instructor. We met in Zoom and I was trying to be a translator to Lesya from English to Russian. After that Lesya told me how she was amazed at the amount of help she received from Monica. Monica took her to a Ukranian church and introduced her to a Ukranian priest who helped Lesya to find a job. Then Monica took Lesya to Monica’s family doctor because Lesya did not have any doctor. Then Monica spent hours and hours researching what type of certification Lesya should pursue in Canada to find a permanent job as a Pilates instructor.

Once we had to bring a pot luck food to our meeting and I mentioned to Monica that I have no idea what to bring as I only cook Russian food. Monica immediately invited me to her house saying that we can cook tamales and guacamole together. We were not able to do that, but I am sure that we will cook some tamales and guacamole in heaven! See you there, dear Monica!

I met Monica in Parent and Tot at the Waldorf School with her sweet daughter Naomi and what a gift that was. If there was ever a woman who was meant to be a mother it was Monica, dedicated, always thoughtful, caring and nurturing, I loved that she was grounded and was never afraid to tell you what you needed to hear. I loved our chats, my spanish lessons, her amazing hugs, her laugh and her smile. Her energy and vibration was for the most part always high but she was always more concerned about how you felt and what would make you feel better. She was a true gift to this world and I see that also in her beautiful girls. She created a community for herself and her family and we will always be here helping in any way. If you've met Monica, you have been touched by an angel and she's in all our hearts. She will be surely missed and forever loved. Love, Tanya, Breena and Emaline Massey

Monica was an angel on earth. As soon as I met her in 2010 at Waldorf parent and tot class with our kids, I knew I wanted to hang out with her. I loved her laugh, warmth, kindness, and silliness. We had so much fun together - be it dancing in the kitchen, exercising zumba together, walking while praying the rosary, going on outdoor adventures, sharing family meals together, or talking about what was in our hearts- whatever it was - she was always kind with her words and looking out for others. Gee, we laughed a lot together. I will miss seeing her. Her memory lives in my heart and in her beautiful girls, Camilo, her family, and all of us that were lucky enough to be touched by her. Love, James, Fiona, Ian, and Erica

I met Monica a couple years ago as we endeavored to share professional knowledge with various fertility companies. I was so impressed by her energy and passion to teach and empower women. She seemed to have no limit to the number of women she would strive to reach. She was extremely generous with her time in encouraging me and was so open to share professional knowledge with me whereas others may have considered me competition. She had a beautiful, generous and kind heart. I send my condolences to all her family

Monica and I crossed paths first at St.Michael’s over nine years ago. I was caring for my mom in her last months, and every Sunday at 9am we sat near Monica and her beautiful family at mass. Monica was intuitive and reached out that she was praying for my mom. This meant so much. We soon realized we were both Waldorf moms - another beautiful connection. Monica would continue praying for my mom’s soul, years after her passing. I now pray for yours, sweet friend. Gentle Jesus, you have welcomed home one of the best. Your warm smile lives on in your three amazing daughters. You are missed. Love, Andrea Beaubrun and family

Monica was a wonderful friend to myself and husband as well as comadre. I met Mónica in San Diego nearly 20 years ago. She then said about my now husband that he would be a good guy to date….we went to the beach often together in La Jolla. California, attended daily mass and rosary at Mary Star of the Sea, and supported me with love through my first bout of breast cancer.The funniest thing was that my mother Aida once referred to her at a party as the OTHER Monica, not Lewinsky!! I witnessed the delivery of her first child Naomi and was one of the stand in sponsors for Naomi’s baptism. I will miss her greatly in this world but, both my husband and I look forward to seeing her in the next life. We were fortunate to visit the Florez family several times in Calgary. And hope to see them soon. Monica we love you very much. We we look after Zuri as best we can and be supportive of the rest….. with love your compadres indeed Cynthia and Oscar