Monica Cecile Fish

Monica Fish, a cherished wife, sister, aunt, and modern-day St. Francis, passed unexpectedly in a vehicle accident (through no fault of her own) on May 19, 2025, at the age of 47. Born to Frank and Donna Fish in Indianapolis, Indiana, Monica inherited her father’s boundless curiosity for the natural world and her mother’s values of kindness, service, and creative spirit, which shaped her extraordinary life.

A proud graduate of Xavier University with a degree in Philosophy, Monica’s passion for global service led her to dedicate two years to the Peace Corps, serving Bulgarian communities with compassion and commitment. She furthered her mission with a Master’s in International Peace Studies from the University of Denver, which brought her to Immokalee, Florida, where she was Executive Director of The Immokalee Friendship House and helped broker the deal to merge with St. Matthew’s House. While serving as executive director she taught ESL as a volunteer, driving 40 miles each way. It was in Florida that Monica met and married her soulmate, Hung Ly, and together they created a beautiful home in Naples, Florida.

Monica earned her law degree from Florida A&M University in Orlando and passed the bar on her first attempt. Over a distinguished 15-year legal career, she fiercely defended those who could not defend themselves, earning respect for her integrity and tenacity.

Monica’s heart belonged to the natural world. She found joy biking alongside Hung and their entourage of animals, rescuing wildlife, propagating and planting trees, marking gopher tortoises, grounding herself in the earth, and swimming in the ocean. Her tireless efforts left an indelible mark on Florida’s ecosystems.

Monica’s warmth, generosity, and infectious love for life touched countless hearts, inspiring all who knew her.

Monica is survived by her devoted husband, Hung Ly, her siblings: Anna Marie Burrell (Tim), Tim Fish (Jacqueline), and Jeannette Paris (Tony); her cherished nephews: Aaron and Samuel Burrell, Daniel and Simon Paris, and Maxwell Fish; and her dear sister-in-law, Carrie Efferts (Jason), and their daughters: McKenzie and Sydney Efferts. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Frank and Donna Fish; whose legacy she carried with grace.

A celebration of Monica’s life will be held at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to East Lee Wildlife Stewardship Group in Monica’s memory, honoring her lifelong devotion to protecting nature’s beauty.