Monica Ann Canfield

Monica Ann Canfield, a remarkable woman whose indomitable spirit and boundless heart touched all who knew her, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at Baylor Scott and White in Temple, Texas. Born on November 2, 1980, in Fort Hood, Texas, Monica’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering dedication.

Monica's journey was marked by extraordinary strength, particularly in her courageous 13-year battle with breast cancer. Throughout this prolonged fight, she never allowed her illness to define her. Instead, Monica continued to live fully, embracing the outdoors she so dearly loved, and sharing countless adventures while walking her beloved dog, Levi. Her laughter was infectious, her spirit indomitable, and her heart immeasurably big.

A proud graduate of Copperas Cove High School in the year 1999, Monica's commitment to learning never waned. Monica was awarded an Honorary degree, an Ed.D in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Principal Leadership from Abilene Christian University as a way to memorialize her efforts while pursuing their degree. Her faculty and peers share the following words to describe Monica:

Dr. Breaux, the Educational Leadership Program Director, remembers reading Monica's admission essay and was struck by how she beautifully described her beliefs about education. “Education is the birth of freedom as it commands and shapes the landscape of the contemporary and future society in ways that are not limited by imagination and grasp. It is the awakening of depth within all interactions that challenges the participants to be shaped into a greater and more meaningful self within various contexts.”

Dr. Garcia, her professor and Coterie Mentor shared “Monica was a valued member of our graduate community and was respected and admired by faculty and her peers alike for her dedication, curiosity and kindness.”

Haley Weems, her cohort colleague shared - “Monica and I started on our doctoral journey together and from the very beginning I could tell she was passionate about continuing her education and pushing herself to learn and grow every step of the way. In every correspondence we had she always had an uplifting word to share and occasionally questions that would push us as her peers to think deeper, beyond the boundaries. While I did not know Monica very well, or for very long, I feel that she very much fit the "beyond the boundaries" quota. For all the lives that she touched, the milestones that she surpassed, and the boundaries that she did not let hold her back... these are the things she will be remembered for by so many of us.”In one of her assignments Monica, a self proclaimed introvert shared “attending Coterie has motivated me to attend our classes each Monday. Listening to the ideas of my classmates, as well as their thoughts about the week, has provided some deep connection for me.”

Beyond academia, Monica's life was rich with the simple joys she cherished: traveling to new places, savoring good food, and most importantly, spending quality time with her family. She was a beacon of strength and warmth for those she loved, especially her daughter Emily Gibson, whom she raised with great pride and devotion.

Monica is lovingly remembered by her family and friends who remain in her life and will carry forward her legacy of love and tenacity. She leaves behind her mother, Susan Canfield; her brother, Franklin Canfield III; and sister-in-law Nicole DeRoin. She is also deeply missed by her daughter Emily Gibson and son-in-law Keshawn Gibson; her aunt Robin Dennis and uncle Richard Dennis; and her cousins Anthony Justice and Jenny Justice, who shared in the bonds of family and friendship that Monica so cherished.

Monica Ann Canfield’s story is one of courage and kindness, of laughter and love, of a life well-lived despite the stark challenges she faced. The memory of her strong will, her humor, and her enormous heart will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. In celebrating Monica’s life, we hold close the light she brought into the world—a light that will never dim.