Karin

Monaco

Karin Monaco

March 19, 1954 – November 7, 2026

Karin Monaco, 72, passed away peacefully at home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 7, 2026, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with small cell lung cancer.

Born on March 19, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, to Arild and Karin Litsheim, Karin lived a full, adventurous, and wonderfully unconventional life. She spent part of her formative years in California, completing most of her high school education in Marin County before spending her final year of high school in Norway, maintaining a connection to her family's roots.

Karin was an entrepreneur at heart, never one to be defined by a single career or conventional path. Throughout her life, she owned and operated several businesses, ranging from a swap meet to a nightclub to a horse ranch. She also worked with the Teamsters Union, helping with conventions. Beyond her professional endeavors, Karin loved working with her hands and creating things. She was naturally resourceful and enjoyed the process of taking an idea and bringing it to life. Whether building, creating, or working on a project, she found joy in being hands-on and making things happen. Her many ventures and creative pursuits reflected her independent spirit, determination, and willingness to take chances and embrace new adventures.

Above all else, Karin had an enormous heart. She was known by many for her generosity and her willingness to open her home and her life to people who needed a helping hand. Over the years, she welcomed people into her home, offered support during difficult times, and helped many find their footing again. She never believed family had to be defined by blood. Her home and her heart were places where people could find acceptance, support, and sometimes the fresh start they needed.

Karin's love for animals was immeasurable, especially her beloved dogs and horses. Animals were never simply pets to her; they were family. She also had a passion for fashion and beauty and was always ready to help those around her discover their personal style. She had an eye for what made people feel beautiful and confident, and she loved sharing that with others.

Some of Karin's happiest moments were spent traveling with her daughter, Erica, exploring Caribbean islands and finding beautiful places near the ocean. Their annual mother-daughter trips became a cherished tradition, something Karin looked forward to throughout the year. Those adventures, filled with sunshine, beautiful beaches, laughter, and time together, created memories that will be treasured forever.

Karin is survived by her daughter, Erica Monaco; her son, Frank Monaco; her longtime partner, John Monaco, with whom she shared a lifelong, sometimes unconventional love story; her sister, Sonja Laurie Wilkins; and Cassidy Tucker, whom she loved and considered a daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arild and Karin Litsheim, and her brother, Rando Litsheim. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who were family in every way that mattered.

Karin's life was not defined by convention, but by the people she loved, the lives she touched, the adventures she pursued, and the generosity she showed along the way. She will be remembered for her big heart, independent spirit, love of animals, appreciation for beauty, and the many people whose lives were better because she was part of them.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life honoring Karin will be held on December 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Those interested in attending are asked to contact Erica Monaco directly through Facebook Messenger or by email at ekmonaco25@gmail.com.

We invite everyone who knew and loved Karin to come together to celebrate her life, share stories, remember the adventures, and honor the many ways she made a difference in the lives of those around her.