Carolyn Monroe

On September 26, 2025, the world lost one of its brightest lights as Carolyn Monroe passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life overflowing with love, purpose, and joy.

Carolyn’s story is one of courage and connection. She built a groundbreaking career at The Washington Post, where she not only rose to the top of advertising but also lifted up every woman who followed her. She broke barriers not for recognition, but so others could walk through the doors she helped open. It was there she met the love of her life, Jack Watson, with whom she shared a partnership filled with laughter, devotion, and quiet, steady companionship.

But Carolyn was so much more than her work. She was a woman who found joy in the company of animals, especially her beloved horses. She was once a competitive rider, and even when the ribbons faded, her love for animals endured. She spent countless hours giving back to organizations that protected and cared for them, living out her belief that kindness should extend to all living beings.

At home, she was the heartbeat of her community. As president of her neighborhood’s homeowners association, Carolyn poured herself into creating spaces where neighbors became friends and friends became family. She didn’t just want to build a neighborhood, but a feeling of belonging.

To her family and friends, Carolyn was unstoppably loving, fiercely loyal, and impossible to forget. She was the kind of force who made you believe in yourself, who inspired you to become the very best version of who you could be.

She leaves behind her: niece, Jennifer McCoy; grandniece, Ashley McCoy (Chris Gaile); grandnephew, Brandon McCoy (Devin McCoy); and three great-grandnieces and nephews, Samuel, Bodhi, and Kendall—each a part of her legacy of love.

Carolyn will be buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, MD, in a small family ceremony, with a Celebration of Life to follow. She asked that in place of flowers, donations be made to No Kid Hungry, St. Jude, or the Capital Area Food Bank.

Her life was a gift to everyone who knew her, and though she has gone home, her love remains with us always.

“My memories of love will bring me home”