Carly Jo Monahan, 14, of Rochester, Minn., was granted her angel wings on Sept. 19, 2012. She passed away at home. Carly touched many people, throughout her short, yet very memorable life.

Carly’s life would seem too short to many. Those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time. Her gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around her.

Carly was an accomplished artist of rainbows. She had crayons stashed in every container she owned. She loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar. She loved going to the cabin with her many cousins. Carly enjoyed going to school and her afterschool program. Carly was so blessed to have many, many good friends and people in the community who cared about her.

With Carly’s passing we remind others that her life is one to be celebrated, although we will miss her every day, she will always remain forever in our hearts. Through her teachings about life, we were able to create wonderful memories and it has been a privilege to be her parents. Carly was so lucky to have her wonderful brother, Sam.

Carly is survived by her loving parents, Robert and Debra Monahan of Rochester, Minn.; brother, Sam; paternal grandparents, Ronald and Nancy Monahan of Rochester; great-grandmother Dorothy Heimer of Sargeant, Minn.; maternal grandmother, Carole Frederickson of Forest Lake, Minn.; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather Burton Frederickson.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester. There will be a memorial service Thursday, Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rochester. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Arc Southeastern MN, 6301 Bandel Road NW, Ste. 605, Rochester MN 55901. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.