Carla Anne Munsat

Carla Anne Munsat (Hoffman) passed away peacefully on the evening of February 14, 2026, at home, in Waltham, Massachusetts surrounded by her family. What a gift to love and be loved by Carla, her passing seemingly timed on Valentine's Day, which celebrates love in all its forms.

She was a vibrant, creative artist; co-founder of Art New England magazine; a lifelong scholar, and a woman of irrepressible, joyful spirit whose sparkle, generosity, humor and grace touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had the talent of befriending strangers, and turning strangers into friends.

Carla was born in 1938 in Los Angeles, California and grew up with her dear sister Beth and her beloved parents Ruth and Joe Hoffman, whose passion for politics and film shaped her curiosity about the world. She studied Fine Arts at UCLA before heading to New York City to study acting where she met her husband, Ted Munsat. Soon after meeting, they married and moved back to Los Angeles where Carla acted, painted and taught art. For more than 50 years, they shared a life full of adventure, travel, art, ideas, and community, whether they lived in California, Vermont or Massachusetts.

In the mid 1970's, immediately after settling into the Boston area, Carla recognized the need for a stronger artistic voice and co-founded Art New England magazine with a friend, followed two years later by the Art New England workshops. She served as co-founder, co-publisher, and editor-in-chief for over two decades. Carla continued to create art, exhibit and stay involved in the art world. She had an eye for beauty in the things most people overlooked and taught us to find art in the every day. She was a curious lifelong learner, an avid reader, a generous friend, enjoyed a brisk walk and a rich social life. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family and her friends - who were like family.

She is survived by her children Amy (Harry) and Peter (Lisa); grandchildren Lucy, Jesse, Alex, Jake, Hallie, Lila (Zach) and great-grandson Louie; her beloved sister Beth (Koonan); numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and dear friends.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband and fellow adventurer Ted.

In her honor, a donation can be made to the ACLU Foundation or to Artists for Humanity, Boston.