Ursula Monaco-Sweeney
OBITUARY
Ursula Monaco-Sweeney of Carlsbad was reunited with the love of her life, James R. Sweeney, when she went to heaven on July 10, 2026.
Ursula’s smile, warmth and mischievous laugh added to her ability to make everyone feel like the most special person in the world. She connected easily with people wherever she went, a superpower that earned her the unofficial nickname “Queen of Carlsbad.” She was happiest when she was serving her beloved city and was in turn recognized with awards that included Carlsbad Citizen of the Year and Rotarian of the Year.
Ursula had a knack for seeing needs in her community and putting her heart into providing meaningful solutions. She launched a thrift store at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, helped establish the men’s shelter La Posada de Guadalupe, volunteered at the Women’s Resource Center and built houses in Mexico. She served on the board of Caring Residents of Carlsbad and was a proud member of both the Rotary Club of Carlsbad and local Junior Women’s Club. On any given day, she could be found supporting Marine families on Camp Pendleton, serving breakfast at Brother Benno’s or organizing church blanket drives.
Ursula’s cooking skills were legendary and blessed those she loved. People were known to wait in line for her egg rolls, chicken tortilla soup and eggplant parmesan. The most important thing to her was time with family, whether at home or in her favorite place, Maui.
She is survived by her adoring children, Jamie and James Monaco; daughter-in-law Sophy Monaco; sisters Renata Coates and Jeanette Murphy; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will follow at a later date.