Mary Elizabeth "Molly" Rotunda passed away on January 21, 2024 at the age of 20.
Molly was a vibrant member of every community she was a part of. She was born in Greensboro, North Carolina to Terri and Joe Rotunda, the youngest of five siblings. Her arrival on December 17, 2003 completed "Team Rotunda" and she embodied the best qualities of her parents and siblings in her character, love, warmth, and generous spirit.
At the time of her passing, Molly was a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was pursuing a degree in human development and family science. She was studying what was most important to her - helping children and serving others - which was her passion and calling in life.
Molly attended Sternberger Elementary School ('15), Kiser Middle School ('18), and Grimsley High School ('22). She was a lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she was a part of the youth group and choir, served as a youth leader, and participated in annual mission trips to South Carolina. One of Molly's great joys was her involvement in church musical productions, including a Noye's Fludde performance where she played a spirited "Mrs. Noye's Gossip" alongside her mother as "Mrs. Noye," to the audience's delight. She was also deeply honored to perform the O Little Town of Bethlehem solo at the Christmas Candlelight service, following in her sisters' footsteps.
She was an avid soccer player, growing as a leader through many years playing on recreational, club, and school teams. Molly spent all of her summers growing up at Green Valley Pool. Starting on the swim team at age 5, she later transitioned to a coaching role where she taught, mentored, and cheered on countless young swimmers. Molly was more than a coach, sharing with each child a delicate, gentle, and encouraging influence, with special care for those who most needed a champion.
Molly was a proud Grimsley Whirlie. She immersed herself as an athlete, artist, academic, and student leader, serving as a Brooks Buddy, Madrigal, captain of the varsity soccer team, student ambassador, and member of the varsity swim team. Carrying forward her passion for fostering community, she co-founded a club called Welcome to the Whirlie Side that embraced younger students entering the Grimsley community during the pandemic.
Throughout her life, Molly was recognized for her commitment and excellence in everything she did. Her accolades include the Kiser Middle School Athlete of the Year Award, the Madrigal Singers Loyalty Award, the Grimsley Women's Soccer Most Valuable Player Award, and the Green Valley Pool Camberley Holiday Spirit Award as a recognition of her shining character. She was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-Star Soccer Game. Though her accolades were countless, Molly was truly defined by her energy, playfulness, and optimism that inspired others to live their lives to the fullest.
Molly was many things. She made loving relationships with those she met through sports, the arts, school, faith communities, caregiving, and family. She loved painting, cheering on the Tar Heels, building charcuterie boards, a good day of shopping, listening to Eric Church, making pizzelles around the kitchen counter at Christmas, being best friends with her mom "Terr Bear," and pulling for the Philadelphia Eagles with her dad. She especially enjoyed summer vacations spent riding roller coasters at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania and trips to the mountains of West Virginia filled with hiking, swimming in the river, and sharing stories around the fire with family.
Molly impacted everyone who knew her. She was selfless and kind, strong and poised, and wise beyond her years, always putting others first. She was a persistent, steadfast friend, authentically maintaining her friendships through fierce support and unconditional love. Many of her friendships spanned decades. Most recently, Molly had surrounded herself with a wonderful community of friends at UNC, with whom she shared mutual care and support during her time in Chapel Hill.
She had a heart for serving others, especially children and the members of her community most in need of a friend. Whether as a swim coach, babysitter, or youth leader, Molly found a way to connect with those who looked up to her, treating them as an equal while making them feel uniquely special. Just before her high school graduation, Molly was invited to give the commencement address at Sternberger Elementary. In her speech, she encouraged the class of graduating 5th graders to lean on each other as they moved into middle school - another example of Molly's ability to lift spirits and light the way for those around her.
More than anything, Molly loved sharing life with her family. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her siblings, cheering them on at sporting events, graduations, and weddings. As the youngest of her family, Molly spent years at home with her parents after her siblings went off to college, forging a truly special bond with Terri and Joe. Molly was a leader in the family, and her decisive nature always steered Team Rotunda in the best direction, a skill that was particularly valuable when making dinner decisions during COVID isolation.
Molly is survived by her parents, Terri and Joe Rotunda of Greensboro, NC, brother Anthony Rotunda (Wendi) of
Durham, NC, brother Alec Rotunda (Rachel) of
Washington, DC, sister Maggie Spirou (Athan) of
Charlotte, NC, sister Maria Thomas (Tyler) of
Belmont, NC, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished family friends. Molly's memory is also carried on by the countless friends and mentees who loved her throughout her life. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Joan and Doug Roach of
Martinsburg, WV, paternal grandparents, Nancy and Richard Rotunda of Annville, PA, and uncle Richard Rotunda.
A celebration of Molly's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27 at Christ United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC, with streaming available at youtube.com/@cumcgso. The family will receive visitors at a reception at the church following the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Greensboro Grimsley Alumni and Friends Association, in memory of Molly Rotunda. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 4241, Greensboro, NC 27404-4241. The family would like to thank all who have expressed their support and love for Molly during this time.