A GatheringUs memorial has been create to celebrate the life of Monica J. Arter. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. When the time is right, our plan is to share this site with Jason so they can, Jordan and Nathan so they hear stories from her work family and know how much... see moreA GatheringUs memorial has been create to celebrate the life of Monica J. Arter. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. When the time is right, our plan is to share this site with Jason so they can, Jordan and Nathan so they hear stories from her work family and know how much we appreciated her.
Thank you all for contributing to this lasting memorial.
I had a hard time narrowing down to a memory or two. There are so many to pick from. Monica was my first friend on the road. She was kind and sweet and so welcoming, and willing to answer all my ridiculous dumb questions. Two of the specific memories... moreI had a hard time narrowing down to a memory or two. There are so many to pick from. Monica was my first friend on the road. She was kind and sweet and so welcoming, and willing to answer all my ridiculous dumb questions. Two of the specific memories that stick out to me were the trip she willingly took with me to the middle of nowhere in Kansas so we could go to the wizard of oz museum. Gosh we laughed so much during that day, driving 2 hours there and 2 hours back after a state meeting. We didn't get to try on the ruby slippers but we did get to sit in the Wizard's throne. Another of the first memories I have with Monica is driving through Olympia, WA where she was trying to get us to find somewhere to eat, but kept driving down one way roads. Between swerving cars and laughing, we did finally find a Subway at a gas station.
Monica was my coworker for 12 years, but she was so much more than that; she was my confidant, my professional support when I need to talk through an idea, and most importantly, Monica was my friend. Monica laughed and cried with me, celebrated with me, and grieved with me over many years. She was someone really special in my life, and although she never got a chance to meet my son, she will be someone special in his through her generosity of gifts she gave him and the stories I tell him. I will miss her more than I can express right now.
To the Arter Family- I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. You were everything to her, the three of you. She was always telling me about what you all were doing and how proud she was of you. She loved you all so very much. less
So many wonderful memories with Monica! I think that my favorite Monica story is when the Gecko dropped its tail in her office. She had brought it in because she was trying to rehome it. Somehow it shimmied the lid off of its cage and was crawling up... moreSo many wonderful memories with Monica! I think that my favorite Monica story is when the Gecko dropped its tail in her office. She had brought it in because she was trying to rehome it. Somehow it shimmied the lid off of its cage and was crawling up her wall. She screamed, went to grab it, and it dropped its tail. By this point we were all screaming and watching as the tail continued to flop around under her desk!
As so many others have mentioned, Monica was always generous with her time and knowledge. She ALWAYS had our backs and was willing to help, but was also always honest and not afraid to push back. This made everyone around her better at their jobs.
To the Arter family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. She was SO proud of her family. She was always giving us updates on the latest cool thing that Jason built, and how Jordan was doing in school, and how Nathan was destined to become a YouTube star (although my favorite stories were about the Ghillie suit). I'm keeping you all in my thoughts. less
I have so many fond memories of Monica. She was a such a selfless person that you could always rely on. Back in the day, before she was on the proposal team, she was already an integral part of our team. She did her day job in Quality and Medical... moreI have so many fond memories of Monica. She was a such a selfless person that you could always rely on. Back in the day, before she was on the proposal team, she was already an integral part of our team. She did her day job in Quality and Medical Management and helped us write RFP responses in her "spare time". She was one of the very few that knew how to write in order to stand out and win. She knew how to push people to be their best. When she showed interest in joining our small team back then, Jennifer and I wanted to roll out the red carpet - anything to have Monica officially be on our team!
Whenever I had a health question, I always went into her office and said, “nurse Monica?” I always trusted her advice and opinion like she was my sister.
I loved to hear her stories of the miniature horses and see her pictures of her kids with them. We talked a lot about our personal lives. You could tell her kids brought her so much joy and she was very proud of her family. We both talked last summer about how we were looking to buy a place at a lake that was within a 1-2 hour drive. She was so excited to have the property at Goose Creek.
Wherever Monica worked at Centene her talent showed and she was highly respected. She helped save the day many times over the years when it came to RFP writing. When she would ask a favor of me on one of her projects, I never hesitated because that’s what she would do for me.
She did so much for her family, her first priority, and my heart aches for them. Jason, Jordan and Nathan, I hope these memories and thoughts about our beloved co-worker and friend will help bring you comfort. We have been thinking of you constantly.
Over the last 5 years Monica has been the perfect personification of an ‘open door’ leader. Coming off the road I always popped in for an update, made quick calls and IMs from the field - she has always been available and a wealth of knowledge.... moreOver the last 5 years Monica has been the perfect personification of an ‘open door’ leader. Coming off the road I always popped in for an update, made quick calls and IMs from the field - she has always been available and a wealth of knowledge. Working with her was always a treat and getting to know her over the years has been my pleasure! A recent and very fond memory – Monica spent months planning the wedding shower for Maggie, coming off the road I was in the office a couple weeks before the shower, I sat in a meeting with both parties and casually asked if things were still on track and if I could help. Though I didn’t mention the shower directly, I later learned that the reference was clear. Maggie played it cool, Monica and I were both oblivious to the fact that the beans were spilling, we were just happy to catch up. After the meeting I felt awful about spoiling the surprise. When I came to Monica to apologize for my blunder, she gave me the most kind and warm words of encouragement, demonstrating a truly humble spirit and high level of empathy. I look back at the vent with fond memories - Party went on without a hitch and I am grateful for that lesson and my time spent with Monica. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who are in mourning. less
There is an unspoken connection between employees who shared as many years as Monica did working for Centene. It's almost as if we grew up together occasionally telling stories about what it was like "back in the day." Monica and I would... moreThere is an unspoken connection between employees who shared as many years as Monica did working for Centene. It's almost as if we grew up together occasionally telling stories about what it was like "back in the day." Monica and I would connect and think about innovative ways to help people and serve communities across the country. She was creative and inspiring and certainly passionate about her work. I had the chance to really get to know her on a plane ride back from Hawaii. We all pooled our snacks together and enjoyed the lack of wi-fi, just talking and sharing stories. To her friends and family I offer my condolences. She will certainly be missed by many. less
Jill Ireland - April 7 -
It has taken me a while to enter my favorite memory of Monica because frankly, there have been so many. I first met Monica when she was working in corporate Quality at Centene. The thing that always stood out to me is how... moreJill Ireland - April 7 -
It has taken me a while to enter my favorite memory of Monica because frankly, there have been so many. I first met Monica when she was working in corporate Quality at Centene. The thing that always stood out to me is how quickly she became an indispensable resource to any of us working on RFPs for the company. She was such a knowledgeable person but also Ms researcher extraordinaire. I swear she could find anything on the internet about almost anything. I can't even count the number of RFPs we worked on together in her various roles. Fast forward to North Carolina and that was when I saw, up close and personal, what an incredible leader she had become. It was also when I realized how if I wanted to live to see another day, I could not ride in the same car with her. That woman was a speed freak with such a dry wit and great sense of humor at the most inappropriate times!!! The makers of Diet Mountain Dew are going to need serious financial support now. She also was an incredibly focused, hard working woman who worked tirelessly to get the job done right, and be a support to her team. What really stands out for me is how she so LOVED her husband and family more than words could express. Jason and family, I am so so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how your hearts are breaking because she will leave a void in mine forever. less
I have had the fortune of knowing Monica now and working closely with her over the past 4 years. Monica was the lead for the first project I worked on at the company and to say I was still learning at that time would be an under statement. Monica... moreI have had the fortune of knowing Monica now and working closely with her over the past 4 years. Monica was the lead for the first project I worked on at the company and to say I was still learning at that time would be an under statement. Monica really helped bring me up to speed and helped guide me on what was important to know and focus on during these projects. It was a huge help and something I am grateful for even to this day. I really do think that is what made Monica so amazing, she was always aware of others and what was needed to move the project & team forward. She always knew what to say, how to say it, and who to say it to.... all while being cool and calm, with a bit of humor mixed in to keep things fun. I will always remember her love for Diet Mountain Dew, which was always needed during some of these intense projects. I truly enjoyed learning from her and experiencing her leadership style. I also enjoyed listening to her talk about how much she loved her family, being outdoors and living the best life possible. Monica will be missed greatly by all. less
When I first started working with Monica she would review drafts I had prepared and completely rip them apart. At first I was devastated and insecure, but then I really started to take in her feedback and became a better writer for it. Fast forward eight... moreWhen I first started working with Monica she would review drafts I had prepared and completely rip them apart. At first I was devastated and insecure, but then I really started to take in her feedback and became a better writer for it. Fast forward eight years and Monica would ask me to review her drafts. Little did she likely realize, much of what I learned I had learned from her. I learned something from Monica from every interaction we had, both personally and professionally. I will miss that. I will miss Monica. The world lost a great gift but I promise her memory will live on in all those she touched. I am thankful for everything she taught me and for being blessed to have had her in my life. less
I have worked with Monica for many years and our boys attended daycare together. She was always such a calm, kind and positive person to be around. She will be missed by so many, both professionally and personally.
I’ve worked on the same floor as Mon since I joined Centene nearly 10 years ago. While we didn’t work on the same team, she was always a veritable font of knowledge. She rarely asked me for anything but I was often asking her for something, which she... moreI’ve worked on the same floor as Mon since I joined Centene nearly 10 years ago. While we didn’t work on the same team, she was always a veritable font of knowledge. She rarely asked me for anything but I was often asking her for something, which she gladly, promptly and reliably provided. She was a constant - I’d see her most work days for 10 years and she always had a smile. She was a pleasure to be around and just a lovely, lovely person. I just can’t believe this. I’m so very sad to hear this news. less
What I will miss most about Monica is her warm smile and those beautiful, captivating brown eyes. Whenever I spoke to her she was always kind, thoughtful, and welcoming. Monica and I worked together for several years, but as I reflect on those years,... moreWhat I will miss most about Monica is her warm smile and those beautiful, captivating brown eyes. Whenever I spoke to her she was always kind, thoughtful, and welcoming. Monica and I worked together for several years, but as I reflect on those years, we didn't collaborate on many work projects together. We primarily talked about our families, especially the children. I remember being so amazed to learn that she raised miniature Shetland ponies, or maybe it was miniature horses or miniature ponies? She used to tell me stories about them and show me pictures of the kids with them. I am so happy I had the chance to know her and that we spent our time together discussing the topics that truly matter, family and love. Monica, you are God's grace, rest peacefully. less
Monica and I have worked together for over 18 years. I always admired her dedication and work ethic, and how truly devoted she was to her career and family. I still remember our trip to Santa Fe, where her GPS guided us into a prison parking lot. LOL.... moreMonica and I have worked together for over 18 years. I always admired her dedication and work ethic, and how truly devoted she was to her career and family. I still remember our trip to Santa Fe, where her GPS guided us into a prison parking lot. LOL.
We will miss you, Monica. Watch out for the rest of us from above. less
I had the great pleasure of working with Monica from my very first days at the company. Her intellect, drive, and passion were her hallmarks. She was dedicated to her work, and it showed in her relentless success. Monica cared for our members and for... moreI had the great pleasure of working with Monica from my very first days at the company. Her intellect, drive, and passion were her hallmarks. She was dedicated to her work, and it showed in her relentless success. Monica cared for our members and for her teammates. She always lent a helping hand. And, she always strived for excellence - which she achieved.
Monica grew into a talented leader at the company, and the team she built and nurtured is part of her legacy - along with the countless "wins" she amassed.
My heart goes out to her loved ones. Thank you for sharing her with us. She was a treasure that lives on in all of our memories. less
I haven't been with Centene for long -- 10 months -- and even though I never worked closely with Monica on projects, I did have the honor of working on the same team as her.
A few months in, I was finally invited to a proposal Red Team meeting -- just... moreI haven't been with Centene for long -- 10 months -- and even though I never worked closely with Monica on projects, I did have the honor of working on the same team as her.
A few months in, I was finally invited to a proposal Red Team meeting -- just to sit in, absorb, and learn as much as I could. Monica was in that meeting too. I remember being awestruck by the sheer brilliance she had. Her memory was impeccable, and she was able to deliver complex information so casually, like it was no sweat off her back. In this meeting, she helped me realize what it meant to work at Centene, what it meant to deliver in moments where it mattered most, and set a professional standard for me to strive towards. Thankful for that moment.
Monica was always friendly and brought a great sense of humor to the table. She wore a smile like it was nobody's business! She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Working for Monica a few years ago has been one of the highlights in my 9 years at Centene. She never hesitated to share her knowledge or push for better. So smart and so quick but incredibly compassionate at the same time. Working with Monica pushed me... moreWorking for Monica a few years ago has been one of the highlights in my 9 years at Centene. She never hesitated to share her knowledge or push for better. So smart and so quick but incredibly compassionate at the same time. Working with Monica pushed me to go work in Medical Management, which I love and I will always be indebted. I am thankful we made time to meet for lunch and catch up over the last few years; she is and will always be truly missed. less
I first met Monica when she came to Centene. We worked together in many different capacities over the next 13 years. Monica was a shining star with a directness that suffered no fools. She also had a heart of gold and her family came first in her life.... moreI first met Monica when she came to Centene. We worked together in many different capacities over the next 13 years. Monica was a shining star with a directness that suffered no fools. She also had a heart of gold and her family came first in her life. She loved them deeply. She will be greatly missed, along with her great smile and awesome curls. less
Monica-Monica-Monica. Not even sure where to start. We started working together almost 18 years ago at another company and ended up back together. I have the fondest memories of Monica-we had so much fun together over the years and always kept in... moreMonica-Monica-Monica. Not even sure where to start. We started working together almost 18 years ago at another company and ended up back together. I have the fondest memories of Monica-we had so much fun together over the years and always kept in touch. Our birthdays are five days apart and every year, we still would tell each other Happy Birthday. One of the memories I have in the early days-we were chart chasing for HEDIS and reviewing medical records in the basement of the health dept. We started hearing all these creepy noises and literally ran out of there screaming.
I will miss Monica's smile and overall bright and glowing demeanor. She was always so kind and caring for others. Krissy less
First, my deepest sympathies to the family and friends who lost such a treasure. I've known Monica for many years but didn't really get to know her until I came back to Centene in 2014. She actually interviewed me with Lisa McClellan, so I guess I owe... moreFirst, my deepest sympathies to the family and friends who lost such a treasure. I've known Monica for many years but didn't really get to know her until I came back to Centene in 2014. She actually interviewed me with Lisa McClellan, so I guess I owe her! I saw a young, somewhat shy woman, blossom into a strong leader. We worked some late evenings in hotel conference rooms finishing oral presentations and I always knew we were better than the other team with Monica in our corner. So smart, passionate and yet down to earth with a caring heart for others and especially her family!! She gave the best facial expressions when someone would drone on or say something stupid. Our prayers will be with the family during this difficult time. less
Monica and I worked together for her entire career here at Centene. What I will always remember is her passion for supporting initiatives that helped our members with disabilities. She was always wanting to do more for people with disabilities.
To my loss, I only got to know Monica professionally - but what a professional! We were both at a meeting in Harrisburg 3 or 4 years ago. We sat next to each other both with our PCs open - both trying to work on a presentation. It was a race between us... moreTo my loss, I only got to know Monica professionally - but what a professional! We were both at a meeting in Harrisburg 3 or 4 years ago. We sat next to each other both with our PCs open - both trying to work on a presentation. It was a race between us to see who could add shapes, colors, graphics faster. She always smoked me and her instincts were always better than mine - I told her: 'you're the fastest PowerPointer in the west'. She also had an amazing knack of connecting facts, and just knowing just about anything on any work subject! When she spoke, you learned to stop and listen. On the flip side, if I said something, she occasionally would take her hands off keyboard and lean back - and I knew that she was trying to think of a diplomatic way to correct me (and I knew she was right!). This all said, I knew Monica enough to know she had to be a wonderful mother and wife, and my thoughts are with her family. I will never forget Monica. less
We loved to make comments about the very limited, plain food, Monica would eat. When we would travel and would be out at a restaurant, I would joke with her asking if she wanted the kids menu. She liked things like mac and cheese, chicken strips, nothing... moreWe loved to make comments about the very limited, plain food, Monica would eat. When we would travel and would be out at a restaurant, I would joke with her asking if she wanted the kids menu. She liked things like mac and cheese, chicken strips, nothing too adventurous. I remember someone referring to her as "Monicatarian" 😆 less
Chris PatersonMonica was one of the smartest and most generous people with whom I have worked. She would drop everything to help out whenever asked. She was so highly regarded by all of us in NC for her tireless work in establishing our organization here. Monica... moreMonica was one of the smartest and most generous people with whom I have worked. She would drop everything to help out whenever asked. She was so highly regarded by all of us in NC for her tireless work in establishing our organization here. Monica was a delightful person, incredibly resourceful and brought out the best in people. There are no words for what this loss means to us.
I worked with Monica for probably 10 years, in that time I came to think of her as a friend - more like my co-worker sister. She always had time for me, and was always available to help me out - either working through an issue (personal or work... moreI worked with Monica for probably 10 years, in that time I came to think of her as a friend - more like my co-worker sister. She always had time for me, and was always available to help me out - either working through an issue (personal or work related), or pitching in whenever. To say she will be missed is an understatement - she was in many ways the heart of our team. less
I found this meme about bossy vs. leadership skills and Monica loved it! She printed it and hung it in her office for a while. When we would be onsite working with a health plan to put their best foot forward in their RFP response, Monica would have a... moreI found this meme about bossy vs. leadership skills and Monica loved it! She printed it and hung it in her office for a while. When we would be onsite working with a health plan to put their best foot forward in their RFP response, Monica would have a very direct way with people and tell them how they should do things. We used to say she was being bossy (jokingly). less