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Monica Stokely Obituary
Ferndale, WA - Monica Christina Stokely of Jacksonville, FL died on Monday in Ferndale, WA. She was 26.
Monica's life followed an extraordinary path of creative and passionate service, especially to animals and the environment.
Monica demonstrated her love of animals and the environment in many ways throughout her childhood. As early as elementary school, Monica organized the family to begin recycling. When she was in Middle school Monica volunteered at a local humane society on weekends. In high school she brought her environmental commitment to a community level, increasing the awareness of the importance of recycling to area leaders. In her college years Monica volunteered at the FL Wildlife Care in Gainesville, rescuing and helping animals of all types. Most recently Monica continued her advocacy of the protection of our natural resources through volunteering at Paynes Prairie State Park, and actively participating in many Earth First! causes. She
enjoyed traveling and experiencing nature through hiking and camping
across North America.
In addition to the time Monica spent volunteering at animal shelters, state parks, and wildlife centers, she was also a talented artist. Monica was involved in a number of creative arts and crafts activities including sewing, clothing and jewelry design, and poi construction. Monica was a talented poi dancer.
Monica graduated from Nease High School in 1999. Following her graduation, she attended freshman year at Florida State University. She then went on to obtain an AA from Santa Fe community College. Monica continued her studies at the University of Florida, where she pursued her passion for wildlife ecology.
Monica is survived by her parents, Murray M and M Lucy Stokely, her brother Murray M. Stokely III, her Grandfather, Bill Terrell, her Aunt Nancy Terrell, her Uncle and Aunt Ed and Wyline Holder, many cousins and friends, and her Lab Barney.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Monica Stokely Memorial Scholarship Fund, University of Florida Foundation, Inc., PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604-2425.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Monica Stokely
Sponsored by her family.
Megan
November 30, 2024
I´ve been thinking of you a lot lately. I´m watching the UF and FSU game at this moment. I sure do miss you my sweet friend. You were always a ray of sunshine. Love you always.
Mom
November 11, 2024
Thank you Monica, for being such a blessing in our lives. Your sweet memory continues to live in our hearts.
Lucy Stokely
November 2, 2023
Monica, you are always in my heart...you continue to shape our lives for the better through your love of this earth, and for all of us who are on it. What a wonderful example you are for all of us! Love always, Mom
Lucy Stokely
November 1, 2021
You continue to shape our lives for the better in so many ways Monica. We love you always! Mom
Lucy Stokely
November 1, 2020
Monica, your amazing gift of love and life that you gave so freely to all of us will remain with us always. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us in so many ways! We miss you and love you, Mom
Linda Gibson
April 3, 2020
Thank you to the Stokely family for creating the WEC scholarship @ UF for Monica. Her legacy and passion lives on through your kindness.
January 1, 2020
The grand girls have loved using your fun materials to make pillows and stuffed animal/doll clothes with! Each time we sew and make crafts together I think of you.
Happy Birthday Monica! We miss and love you!
Mom
Megan Brunelle
November 3, 2019
I've been binge watching Friends. I can't help but think of you and the many times watching this show together in college. I miss you. Love you always.
Murray Stokely
January 4, 2018
Happy Birthday, Monica. My daughters ask about you, "Aunt Monica", frequently even though they never got to meet you. I miss you.
Lucy Stokely
January 3, 2018
We Love You Monica!!
lucy stokely
July 29, 2016
This summer I took a road trip to Florida, and wanted to stop by the University of Florida. I was interested in seeing the Wildlife Department there, and in meeting some of their staff. Monica's brother Murray has honored her memory by setting up a scholarship program with UF in 2007, which assists others with their dreams of working towards the conservation of our environment.
I was unable to meet the department chair, Eric Hellgren, as he was on vacation himself. He put me in touch with the department secretary, Elaine Culpepper though, who gave me a wonderful tour of the department! First, Elaine helped me to get a parking spot (no small feat!). Next, she introduced me to the person who actually sends out the scholarships in Monica's honor. We toured some of the department classrooms, and also met a couple of the professors. It was so exciting to learn more about the UF wildlife programs! Everyone I met there was so appreciative of the scholarships made possible by Monica's Memorial Fund, and emphasized how needed these funds were with the rising costs of education. I feel as if Monica is protecting another precious piece of our environment with each scholarship provided. I appreciate all that UF is doing in teaching their students to take better care of our world.
My next stop was Alpine Park in Switzerland, FL. As Monica's memorial service was held at this park, I wanted to plant a tree in her honor there. Monica's dad Murray and I planted two bald cypress there a few years back. When we went back to the park to check on the trees this summer, and they were both about a foot tall!
Monica's compassion and empathy also included those less fortunate than herself. When she was in Middle School with Thanksgiving coming up, Monica asked me if we were just going to sit around and eat for our Thanksgiving celebration. She went on to say that we should be helping at a soup kitchen somewhere instead. We served meals to the homeless that Thanksgiving, and learned to appreciate more of our blessings because of it! Meals are currently being taken to those on the verge of homelessness in an extended stay motel in Oakland, CA, on a monthly basis, in Monica's memory.
Monica's sweet spirit continues to live on through the love and compassion she has taught those close to her. You'll always be in our hearts Monica! We love you, Mom
Megan Brunelle
January 3, 2013
Dearest Monica,
I think of you all the time. It's difficult to reflect upon how much time has passed. You had such a profound impact on me. I've had the honor of getting to know your beautiful mom. I believe that my relationship with her has helped me through the grieving process. I hope you won't kill me when we meet again but I gave your family a copy of our silly wheelchair racing. ;-) Don't worry because you were the only one behaving. I framed the baby tie-dye you made for Jackson. Max is now wearing the t-shirt. I miss you terribly and sometimes feel selfish for this. I know there is a reason that we became so close within the few years of our friendship. I will treasure it and all of my memories until I'm an old lady. :-) Love you my sweet, sweet Mon.
January 2, 2013
OK, the first bald cypress tree planted in your honor didn't make it... I'm not good with plants like you were! Your Dad and I planted 2 more in Alpine Park this summer though, and they're growing! As we watch those trees grow, we'll be reminded of your fierce love of our world, and how you have inspired all of us to take better care of our world and each other. Your sweet spirit and love will always be a part of us Monica. We love you, mom
lucy stokely
January 2, 2012
This year a bald cypress tree was planted in Monica's memory, in Alpine Park, Switzerland, FL. It's to the left of the wooden walkway going to the playground, so if anyone is in the area and can let us know how big it's grown that would be great!
We love you Monica! mom
Jennifer Breva
January 3, 2011
I always think of Monica at New Year's. Some of the best New Year's celebration I ever had was with her, celebrating her birthday. Miss you Monica!
January 2, 2011
You would have been 30 years old today! Your love and sweet spirit will inspire us always. Happy Birthday, love mom
January 5, 2010
Monica, the beauty of your life continues to shine in those whose lives you have touched. I pray that my life will always bring honor to your memory. We miss you. Love, mom
Jennifer Marsh
December 19, 2008
Monica was my neighbor and one of my best childhood friends. We also were in the CEAD program together at Nease so we had many of the same classes. I am unsure of what took her life, but I was very saddened when I heard that she had passed and my heart goes out to her family and friends. Even though Monica and I had lost touch as we grew older, I will always remember the fun memories that we had as children together. Some of my favorite memories of Monica were: having big imaginations and creating adventures as we would make trails through the woods, Murray and Christian always stealing our bicycles or playing tricks on Monica and I, swimming in my pool on the hot summer days and our countless sleepovers. Monica was a beautiful woman inside and out and she had a wonderful heart. She will be deeply missed.
Laura King
May 7, 2008
Monica,
I met you with Megan at a Reggae night in Gainesville. I felt that the first night that I spent with you was very memorable for me and I hope it was for you as well. Hearing about your experiences and travels was very motivational for me as well as anyone you had to share with. I know that you are watching over me every day and that I am thinking about you all the time.
Laura
Megan Brunelle
March 15, 2008
Although we lost touch the past couple of years, I still remember our times together like it was yesterday. I hope you knew how much a adored you. This world was a better place with you in it. Your were the most selfless, pure, beautiful, strong and loving person I've ever known. I wish I would have told you. You are a soul that will be forever cherished, forever loved and missed beyond believe. I wish we had the chance to have you embrace my baby son's life as you have mine. I love you Monica.
Love,
Megan
Brian Carlson
March 2, 2008
Lucy - My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I was lucky enough to meet Monica with Lucy in Seattle on New Year's Eve, 2003. We all had a great time watching the fireworks shoot off the Space Needle. Although I met Monica only once, I do recall her great spirit. She will be missed.
Becky Bouton
February 28, 2008
Lucy,Murray and Murray,
I so enjoyed this glimpse of Monica and her precious life. Please know you three continue to be in my prayers daily--hugs and blessings to you!
Becky
Vanessa
January 28, 2008
I met Monica while on the East Coast at an enviormental conference. She struck me as a very sweet, caring person and I know that her life was short but she lived it to the fullest. My heart goes out her family and her dog Barney.
Molly Dubow
January 6, 2008
Lucy, I have been thinking about you. I did not meet Monica but I know she was a wonderful person and daughter to you from all of your great stories. My heart goes out to you.
Lucy Stokely
January 1, 2008
Monica, I will always thank God for all of the wonderful ways you made us laugh, and helped us to understand and love our world around us, as well as each other.I have faith that you are in our Lord's arms now, and that one day we'll all be together again. Happy Birthday, Love, Mom
Patricia Schau
December 27, 2007
My heart goes out to Lucy and all of Monica's family. I know of the wonderful person Monica was through the loving eyes of her mother and I know she will be missed even by those of us who had only the occassional meeting. May God be with you during this unimaginable time. You are always in my prayers.
Love,
Patricia
Brian Burrell
December 9, 2007
I used to live down the street from Monica and her brother while growing up in Switzerland, FL. Whenever I would hang around their house, Monica was incredibly sweet and friendly to me. She always had a big smile on her face and just by speaking with her for a few minutes you could tell that her heart was even bigger. The world needs more people like her. She will definitely be missed.
Dana Mckelvey
November 27, 2007
Monica was the other part of my childhood, period. I have regrets that I didnt know her better in her later years, but I have nothing but gratitude that god put her in my path every time I needed her. She has left a huge mark on me as a person and she made me better, as well as leaving me with the best memories. I miss her terribly.
Laura Quintin (Versteeg)
November 27, 2007
I have some many great memories of my friendship with Monica- being in CEAD together, volunteering together at our intership at Tree Hill, partying, our freshman year at FSU, and so many more. She was always able to put a smile on my face, and I considered her one of my closest friends during that time. I was so shocked and saddened to hear about her passing. My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to her family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Kris Kennell
November 25, 2007
Monica was wonderful. I alwys appreciated her independent spirit and willingness to travel and expand herself. We enjoyed each other equally I feel and I wish I could have been with her more and shared more with her.
Jerry Marsh
November 24, 2007
Where to begin about monica.... she was an amazing persona nd loved the earth morew than anyone i ever knew... and I may have given her a hard time about being a "Hippy" but I have the deepest respect for what she was trying to do... I miss her very much and she will live on in my heart and soul for as long as I walk this earth and then in the after life we will meet again and it will be just like old times, drinking laughing and swinging feiry pois aroud our heads :) Love you monica and my deepest love and sympathys to murry and lucy and murrasy jr
Judy Chandler
November 18, 2007
Monica of the ever present smile.
Monica who knew how to take a mountain and make a molehill of it.
Monica who never spoke negatively of anyone.
Monica who shared her senior year with Dani.
Monica who, along with Brad, was dared into the woods that are now Alpine Park by older brothers.
All these make up a girl/woman who touched many lives and left only happiness behind. We loved her.
Jon Grundy
November 17, 2007
I went to High School with Monica and I very sorry for the loss. She was one of the funniest people I have come across. Very unexcepted. Once again, I am sorry for the loss.
Delores Tillman
November 14, 2007
My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. I am sure I have helped Monica at one time or another with registration of classes or such. It is always sad to hear that we have lost one of our Wildlife students because they all become like family while they are here.
Delores Tillman,
Graduate Program Assistant
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department,Student Services Off
Joan & Dick Erickson
November 12, 2007
Lucy, Today I read of your daughter's death. I am so sorry. The death of a child must be heart-wrenching grief for a mother. Never meeting Monica is our loss as we learned in the newspaper. Your son, Murray, is grieving the loss of a wonderful sister. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family now. We will call you soon at your father's home.
PNM Team Orange Grove Center
November 12, 2007
To The Stokely family:
We are Lucy's work family and we never knew Monica but her Mom Lucy loved her very much and spoke of her often. We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Monica's whole family and hope that you can look at Monica's life as a gift and celebrate her efforts to make the world a better place.
Larry O'Connell
November 9, 2007
Dear Lucy, Murray, and Murray,
I wish you God's peace, and His nearness in a way so real that you seem to almost be able to actually touch Him in this time of your loss.
Emily Borden
November 9, 2007
I have known Monica since the second grade when she came to Julington Creek Elementary. We were in the same class and our parents found commonalities that translated into Monica and I becoming friends. I can't say enough about her... she was Monica what else is there to say. Although we went in our own different ways she was always close to my heart. I consider her to be one of those lifelong friends where time didn't matter. I extend my thoughts and prayers to the entire Stokely clan. Monica, I do and will continue to miss you.
Sharon Stieb
November 9, 2007
It was a great shock to hear of Monica's passing. I will never forget her beautiful smile and warm and loving personality. She was always there when Christal needed her. It saddens Christal more than you know that she cannot make the memorial. She just had a baby. Please remember that Monica was and is loved and missed by the entire Stieb family.
Go in God's love and His warm embrace.
John, Sharon and Christal Stieb
Brian Chandler
November 9, 2007
Monica was an amazing person, we will all miss her deeply, and she made great impressions on many peoples’ lives. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
John Novak
November 9, 2007
Memories of Monica:
Spending days figuring out how we can be more conservative. Finding out how we can make the flowers more beautiful. So many days have went by but she has always been there and always be there with me. It is always hard losing people. But the memories of them is what keeps you going. I give this up to every one in her family Murry, Jr.. Murry Sr., an Lucy. My love goes out to you all. We will always be family. Love all.
Amber Acosta
November 8, 2007
I went to school with Monica at Nease. We were acquaintances in school and also spent time together outside of school. I remember her always radiating a beautiful light on others and herself. She will greatly be missed.
Catherine & Harley
November 8, 2007
We may never understand any of our life or why things happen the way they do until we stand in front of God and it is revealed. We pray for God to heal your pain of loss for Monica. May God Bless You; Murray, Lucy, and "little" Murray. Ours and God's Love to You, as well.
Joy
November 8, 2007
Monica was a free spirit; there have been so many stories in the past week, many of them make me wish I could do half of the things she has.
I still remember the last time I saw her; she was always so sweet to everyone.
Becky Bowser
November 8, 2007
Dear Lucy,
I just saw Monica's memorial and I am in shock and want to extend my deepest condolences to you and Murray sr and "little" Murray, as we used to call him.I am praying for the Holy Spirit to surround you with His love and care..I could not imagine your grief...just know that your heart will heal, and you will remember the fun times you had with her as a little girl.Sounds like she lived a rewarding life for one so young!
All my love,
your friend,
Becky Bowser
LATOYA LESTER
November 8, 2007
I AM JUST STOPPING BY SHOWING MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR MRS. MONICA STOKELY.
Murray Stokely
November 8, 2007
Will miss you, Monica. I so wish that we had more time together. I will cherish the memories of our time together and the selfless volunteerism that you demonstrated. We all learned a lot from you but could have shared so much more.
All of your friends that I've contacted have said such wonderful things about how sweet you are. You were a big hit at the wedding. We will always remember you.
Love, your big brother.
Jennifer Breva
November 8, 2007
Monica was a wonderful friend and I will miss her very much. I have many wonderful memories of her enjoying life. Her life may have been short, but it was full. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
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