Cynthia Stephanie Monaco passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness. She was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is survived by her beloved spouse, Daniel J. Jaffe; by her brother, Bruce R. Monaco, M.D. and sister-in-law, Pamela Monaco; her niece, Nicole Milford (spouse Albert Milford, IV); her nephew, Anthony Monaco; her great niece, Grace Milford, and great nephews, Finn and Clay Milford; and her sweet boy, Montague. She is also survived by Daniel’s sister and brother, Lily Rachael Samson and Randall Jaffe; by Dan’s nephew, Ari (Heather) Samson; by Daniel’s niece, Stephanie Samson; and by Daniel’s great niece, Eliana Samson.
Cynthia graduated from Louisville High School in Woodland Hills, California, California State University Northridge, and Southwestern University School of Law. She practiced law over 25 years, mainly in the area of Family Law at Jaffe and Clemens in Beverly Hills.
Whether dressing to go out or give a party, Cynthia always did things with elegance and style. Her Christmas parties were legendary and waiting list only – only if someone could not attend was anyone else ever invited. Cynthia could make classic Italian meat sauce and meatballs into a five-star dinner. It was her favorite meal, and judging by the compliments, the favorite meal of others as well.
Cynthia was a committed member of The Blue Ribbon of The Music Center, a philanthropic organization designed not only to raise money for the Music Center’s resident companies, but to increase accessibility to music and performance in the Los Angeles community. The Blue Ribbon’s signature event is The Children’s Festival given every year with the purpose of allowing fifth graders access to a performance at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Cynthia had the honor and privilege to be the co-chair of The Children’s Festival in 2023.
Her interests were many. The style and grace she brought to home entertaining extended to home decorating, too. She lent that certain touch to making the house she and Dan shared for so many years into a warm and welcoming home.
After many years, Cynthia rediscovered her passion for fine art and drawing in pastel and charcoal. She used that skill to help showcase the artwork collected over so many years of travel to such locations as Paris, London, Istanbul, Kyoto, Mallorca, Cuba, Israel, Visby, Sweden as well as many other countries.
May she rest in peace with her beloved “Beary” and all of her stuffed friends.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Cynthia’s memory may be sent to:
Louisville High School Attention: Sister Donna Hansen