Monica Rae LeCaire, age 55, a longtime resident of Colville, WA passed away on Nov. 18, 2024 in Spokane, WA due to complications of Lymphoma.  Monica was born in Spokane, WA on December 5, 1968 the daughter of Monte Ray and Sharon Marie (Emerson) LeCaire.

Monica was raised in Colville, WA where she attended grade school, middle school and graduated from Colville high school.  Monica graduated in 1987 as a 12-year senior and then moved to Spokane, WA where she continued her education.  Monica attended Spokane Community College for 2 years and then moved to Pullman where she attended Washington State University.  She was working towards her a degree in education and found the Ag-Tech program at the neighboring University of Idaho in Moscow, ID more to her liking, so she transferred.  She received her Bachelor's Degree from the Univ. of Idaho and returned to Colville to where she began substitute teaching.  Her heart began drawing her in a different direction while also working in social service for the Department of Social and Health Services in Colville.  Monica moved to Colfax where she continued working for DSHS and began her master's program to become a mental health clinician with a specialty in social work.  This became her passion and when she wasn't in class, Monica continued to read and write copious notes of what she was learning.  She took a brief occupational detour and worked with the City of Pullman as the director of the Senior Citizen Center.  Monica enjoyed arranging trips and adventures for her senior citizens and cherish their company.  She was laid-off due the COVID pandemic and found work again in 2021 at Quality Behavioral Health in Clarkston.  Monica had the opportunity to return to Colville in 2022 and loved being back home.  She worked for New Alliance Counseling and was able to care for her hometown community.  In September of 2024, Monica was diagnosed with Lymphoma and began treatment.  She continued working and helping those in need as long as her health allowed.

She loved being home and cherish being close to her family, especially her niece, nephew and great niece and nephews.  Monica had a quiet presence and was always watching for the needs of others around her.  She journaled daily, which gave her connection to the past and present and helped her prepared for the days to come.  Her love of learning enhanced her aptitude of care and professional capabilities.  Monica emersed herself in resource books and attended courses of study whenever available.  She also enjoyed traveling.  When home, she loved to cook and her family joked that her kitchen skilled offered entrees that were "very hard or not at all."  They also reflected on her kindness, compassion, concern for others.  She shared her thoughts, her knowledge and her opinions openly, and never left anything to question.  Her time with family and her faith gave her strength, grace and renewed love in all steps of her journey.

Monica was a founding member of the NAMI Northeast Washington Mental Health for All chapter.

Monica is survived by her parents, Monte and Sharon LeCaire of Colville, WA; brother, Mike LeCaire (Kriss) of Rice, WA; step-daughter, Amberlee Donner of Spokane, Wa; nieces, Haiden LeCaire (Josh Fuhrer) and Hannah Cole (Lucas); nephew, Hunter LeCaire (Bethany); great nieces and nephews, Taylor, Piper and Gunner Cole, Kasey LeCaire, and Emma Bydal.

The services for Monica Rae LeCaire will begin with a Rosary & Vigil at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 and Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 27, 2024 both at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville, WA.  Memorial contributions may be given to NAMI Northeast Washington Mental Health for All.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.