Monique McNamara

Monique Marie Travelstead McNamara passed away Nov. 3 in Arlington, surrounded by friends and family after a battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her husband Howard Schloss, son Maxwell McNamara, brother Ted Travelstead, and her mother Roberta Truckey Berryman and father Jimmie Hawley Travelstead, along with extended family.

Monique was born June 19, 1966, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was a longtime resident of Northern Virginia. She attended the College of William and Mary, where she received a BA in English Literature. She was an accomplished communications professional and spent the final 18 years of her career at Nasdaq/FINRA, rising to Vice President of Strategic Communications.

FINRA’s CEO honored Monique by writing this to the company, “As significant as Monique’s professional accomplishments were, her true legacy is that of a deeply caring individual and loving wife and mother. Monique was someone who championed those in need, encouraged and celebrated others’ victories, and truly enjoyed bringing happiness to those around her.”

Monique was devoted to her family, particularly to her son, and leaves a legacy of love commitment to all who knew her. Monique was an incredible woman – smart, caring, funny, brave and elegant. She made the world a better place and will be deeply missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the William & Mary Foundation to support a need-based scholarship created in her honor for undergraduate students majoring in Art & Art History with a concentration in Studio Art or English. Checks should be mailed to P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, and include “the Monique Marie Travelstead Scholarship, Allocation 5085” in the note section. Gifts via credit card can be made at impact.wm.edu/Monique.

A Celebration of Life for Monique will be Saturday, December 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the ALX Community Waterfront, 201 N. Union Street, Alexandria, Virginia.