Monica Kazan - 62

My name is Ezekiel Kazan Somma, nephew of Monica Kazan. On Tuesday February 24, our family lost one of the most remarkable women in our lives, my Aunt Monica. She was the victim of domestic violence and the person she let into her life tragically ended hers. My aunt was a long-time resident of New Bern, North Carolina and a pillar of hope in Craven County and the surrounding areas. While the circumstances of my aunt's untimely and tragic passing have shaken us all deeply, we choose to focus on the extraordinary life she lived and the thousands of lives she impacted.

For over 12 years, Monica served as the Executive Director of Promise Place, a nationally accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Promise Place provided crisis intervention, emergency shelter, court advocacy, counseling, and outreach services to Craven, Jones, and Pamlico Counties. Under Monica’s unwavering leadership, the organization strengthened its advocacy programs, supported survivors through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and became a vital resource within the Craven County court systems and community. And still her dedication to service did not stop there, working at Mount Mount Carmel Helps Inc. and serving as Chief of Staff at Religious Community Services (RCS), where she worked tirelessly to assist individuals facing houslessness and food insecurity. We choose to remember her not for the way she left this world, but for the powerful and positive impact she made while she was here.

My aunt was a nationally accredited victim advocate certified in child forensic interviewing, specializing in domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and drunk driving cases and was a relentless voice for those who could not speak for themselves. Working closely with Guardian at Litem to give children a voice, she drove deep rooted change in Craven County. She also established one of the county’s largest no cost therapy centers open to victims of crimes and those experiencing trauma for over 12 years. My aunt created a vital Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between East Carolina University's Teddy Bear Clinic and Promise Place, vigorously fighting for victims of sexual assault, providing comfort and resources to families. She was the first on the scene for survivors, working closely with doctors and nurses to ensure that victims had a voice and would know their next steps through the tumultuous legal system.

But beyond her titles and accomplishments, Monica was a beloved sister, aunt, leader, and above all, a dear friend to so many. She loved her African gray parrot, Coby — companions known for their intelligence and long lifespan. She adored animals, plants, beautiful pens and planners, crafting, and spending time with her friends and family. She had a special love for kunafa, falafel, and other Middle Eastern sweets, and always found joy in the small, beautiful details of life. My aunt didn’t just pass through people’s lives — she left a permanent imprint on their hearts.

This fund has been created to help bring Monica home to family in New Jersey and to assist with estate fees, utilities for her home in New Bern, transportation, proper certificates, funeral home services, burial fees, potential probate costs, and with the many unexpected expenses our family now faces.

Any funds remaining after these expenses will be used to further Monica’s legacy of continuing the advocacy work and community impact that defined her life.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the stories, prayers, and love that have poured in from those whose lives she touched. Thank you to everyone who has shared memories of Monica — each one is a reminder of the light she brought into this world.

One again, thank you to everyone for helping us honor Monia’s remarkable legacy.

Fly high my Chalto Butterfly. ♥️

With love,

Ezekiel

On behalf of the Somma family