Monalisa Maria Harrington

Monalisa María Carrera Harrington Santiago, 64, of Bryson City and formerly of Tampa, FL passed away Saturday August 2, 2025. A native of Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Concepción "Conchita" Santiago. In addition to her mother, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Luis and Abel.

Monalisa is survived by her husband of 35 years, William Harrington; their children, Laura English and husband Nicholas, Arthur Harrington and wife Kamryn, Paul Harrington; grandchildren, Raygan Marie Harrington, Liam Richard Harrington, and Charlotte Grace English; Siblings, Sylvia, Lillian, Nancy, Mary, and José, and many nieces and nephews.

Monalisa (Mony) will be remembered for her deeply compassionate and caring nature. Nowhere was this felt more deeply than by her children, grandchildren and husband, whose lives and values were profoundly shaped by her love, guidance, and nurturing spirit.

She was a steady, loving presence to those around her. Her grace and compassion touched her mother, children, grandchildren, and countless friends, relatives, coworkers, and patients. Her empathy was unmatched. She listened deeply, offered wise advice, and gave emotional support freely - even to those who hadn’t asked for it but clearly needed it. She was also vibrant and full of life. She could make anyone laugh, almost anyone dance, and her radiant smile could light up a room, whether it was filled with people or shared with just one.

Throughout her professional and personal life, she was drawn to roles of service. She cared for both young and old—as a school nurse, a midwife, and in hospice care. Even after retirement, Mony continued to give of herself - volunteering with the Red Cross relief efforts during Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, and serving in the nursery and Vacation Bible School at Grace Bible Church.

Her legacy lives on in the love she gave and the lives she touched.

A gathering of family and friends is before the service from 10:30am at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. A memorial service will be held at 11am and will be livestreamed, and the link can be found by clicking "Join Live Stream" on the service listed below. Family and friends are invited to continue sharing stories and celebrating Mony’s life until 2:00pm.