Carolyn Munson, loving wife and mother of two, passed away of Neuroendocrine Tumor Cancer after a bravely fought five year battle. Through it all she remained joyful, optimistic, and maintained her beaming smile.
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Carolyn will be forever remembered and deeply missed by many. She instantly found a way to connect to others and was known for her infectious smile and warm personality. She was frequently asked for her helpful and encouraging advice on both personal and professional levels. Her nurturing and caring nature led many people to consider her a second Mom. She was accepting of everyone and found ways to make people feel welcome and comfortable in their own skin.
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Born in Mandeville, Jamaica BWI, Carolyn grew up in Montreal and Toronto, Canada. Carolyn graduated from York University, Toronto, with a BS Honors in Business, class of 1973. She married Michael Munson at the Santa Clara Mission, Santa Clara University, in 1976. Together, in San Jose, California, they raised their two children, Kim and Nick.
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During her childhood and teen years, Carolyn loved outdoor activities including camping, boating, skiing and ice skating. In her teens she worked summers as a canoeing and sailing instructor on Lake Ontario. In her adult life she continued to enjoy outdoor camping trips with her family.
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She began her professional working career with Armstrong in business- to -business sales. She was one of a handful of women to receive her MBA from Santa Clara University in 1978. She proceeded to pursue a career in accounting and finance functions at Raychem (Menlo Park) and GTE-Sprint (Burlingame). For the past 25 years she has worked as the finance and human resources manager at Versonix (San Jose).
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Carolyn had a strong sense of community involvement and service and was always willing to generously share her time and ideas. Over the years she served on various advisory boards, including the Moreland Area Activity Center; Friends of Palo Alto Children’s Theatre; Queen of Apostles Fundraising; and as an Archbishop Mitty High School Office Volunteer. She wanted to be involved and help where she could, especially if it involved children. She volunteered frequently at their schools, sports events, theater shows, and other activities, and took pleasure in coaching youth soccer. She also believed in arts education and supported the local arts scene by frequently attending gallery and theater openings, and being a long time season ticket holder to various theater companies and museums. Never one to put herself first, she felt joy in giving her time and energy to others.
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Her warm and positive spirit touched countless hearts and her absence leaves a void in our lives. But, true to her caring and considerate spirit, she wished that despite our sadness, we are able to celebrate her with happy memories and positive thoughts.
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She is survived by: her husband Michael (San Jose); her daughter Kim (San Jose); her son Nick and his husband Danny Walinsky (San Francisco); father Hank Floyd and three younger siblings: Peter Floyd, Barbara Magee, and Liz Floyd (greater Toronto area, Canada).
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July 20, 1951 - August 20, 2020
Contributions In Her Memory
For those looking to do something in her memory, Carolyn asked donations be made to her cancer support group, the NorCal CarciNET Community to support future research for Neuroendocrine Tumor Cancer and help others prolong their fight.
Donations in her memory can be made by clicking the button below.
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"Don't cry because it's over; Smile because it happened."
- Dr. Seuss
With the dangers of COVID-19, Carolyn did not want loved ones to risk their health and attend a memorial service. She hoped we will instead continue to celebrate her life in happy and personal ways, and continue to comfort each other by sharing our fond memories of her.