Cara "Cammy" Ann Walsh

Cara “Cammy” Ann Walsh, 66, passed away on November 16, 2025, at her home in Lakewood Ranch, FL, surrounded by family and friends. Born on March 24, 1959, she grew up in Fortville, IN, and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1977. She spent most of her adult life in Clearwater, FL and most recently divided her time between Lakewood Ranch, FL and Saluda, NC.

Cara dedicated her life to education. After earning a bachelor’s in education from the University of South Florida, a master’s in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida, she spent her career in education with the last 18 years as an administrator in Pinellas County Schools. She continued to teach in her retirement, spending one year in Spain teaching English and later volunteering with the Manatee Literacy Foundation, where she taught English to adults.

Cara loved to travel—both internationally and throughout the U.S., where she especially enjoyed camping and hiking in the national parks. She was often reading, playing games (which she rarely lost), or spending time with family and friends. She provided a loving foster home to numerous dogs. Cara was adventurous and creative, thoughtful and giving.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Bell Umberta (Brewer). She is survived by her partner, Dee Sweiss; her siblings Gary (Linda) Mowery of Fortville, IN; Teresa (Neil) Lawrence of Kokomo, IN; Gina (Billy Kingery) Risher of Fortville, IN; and Phillip Walsh of Alabama; along with 11 nieces and nephews, 20 great-nieces and great-nephews, and 3 great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom adored her.

Cara’s life was marked by profound love, compassion, curiosity, and generosity. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her. Memorial contributions may be made to Underdog Rescue of Florida (https://underdogrescueofflorida.com/) or the Manatee Literacy Council (https://manatee-literacy.org/ways-to.give/).

"Not all those who wander are lost." J. R. R. Tolkien