Cranford Mother To Be Remembered For Laugh, Hugs And Smiles

CRANFORD, NJ - Monica Carrico will be remembered by friend, family and colleagues at a celebration of her life scheduled for Sunday at the Cranford Community Center.

Carrico passed away after a long battle with cancer on Jan. 1, leaving behind a husband and two children. The community rallied around Carrico's family at the time, pushing a GoFundMecampaign to over $24,000, more than double the original $10,000 goal.

The celebration is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the community center located at 220 Walnut Ave. in Cranford and according to family friend Stacie Wolfe all of Carrico's friends and family had a hand in putting it together.

"This is a volunteer event that is going to represent how much Monica was truly loved by her family, her friends, her coworkers and anyone she came in contact with," Wolfe said.

The event will feature a dessert bonanza as well.

"The entire town is pitching in to create an amazing dessert table since desserts were Monica's favorite part of the meal," Wolfe said. "The sign up sheet is full so there really is not need to circulate that at this time. But if people would like to bring their favorite dessert, they are welcome to."

The event aims to honor Carrico through shared memories, laughter and hugs. And every child who attends will get a teddy bear.

"Monica was known for her love of children and her amazing bear hugs," Wolfe said. "These bears are being given out to remind the littles of Monica's bear hugs as they grow each year, and will hopefully help the many children that are missing her today and in the future."

Wolfe said there will be surprises in store for those who attend and doesn't want to give too much away, but said attendees are asked to bring photos.

"There will be a 'miles of memory wall' in the gym where guests are asked to bring photos to clip to ribbon that is hung throughout the gym," Wolfe said.

Wolfe was clear that organizers were focused on celebrating Carrico's life and impact, not how she died.

"This event is not how Monica left us, but how she truly lived and how she left an imprint on so many of our hearts," Wolfe said. "She was the most positive person I have ever come across. She was a ray of sunshine to many. This event is a time to remember the Monica that we all loved and will miss every day of our lives moving forward."

(Photo courtesy of Stacie Wolfe)

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