Caryle was a great person and I'll always remember her for her infectious passion towards helping others. She introduced me to the world of USAID back in 2004 when she was working in Bangladesh and I was a young, naive Peace Corps Volunteer who lucked into a job with USAID. I was fortunate to work with Caryle in Dhaka and learned so much under her mentorship. Thank you Caryle and may you rest in peace...and sending my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
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I was just thinking about her today. Her panache, her high heels and short skirts that telegraphed she was living life to the fullest. She was incredibly kind to me during her time in the Asia Bureau as I battled my own cancer, she was truly a soul sister. What a loss for us all.
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Dear Sweet Natalie,
The photo I am posting of you and Olivia brings to mind how you two little girls formed a very adorable and strong bond that would last until this day.
You were still very young when you and your Mom traveled overseas. Although we were the stay close to MD kind of Mom and daughter while you two adventured, the four of us always got together for the fair, fun at your Grandparents or just a nice lunch as you two got older. Those memories are etched in me as some of the simplest and sweetest of times.
I was always in awe of your Mom for her noble career, kindness and compassion but the greatest of all was her being a single Mom ally and friend who loved and treasured you immensely. You and Olivia may not have noticed being so young but when Caryle and I were watching you two together having some fun, we so loved just sharing the moment of being there with the two love of our lives.
We had much joy in seeing how you two did not skip a beat when getting together after any length of time !
I know these memories and all the other treasured moments with your Mom will always be with you but having also lost my Mom when I was young, my heart aches for you as you mourn the loss.
I wish I had the perfect words to help you through this but every journey is different so I will be wishing for you, your Grandma as well as your family and those close to your Mom, many moments of peace and comfort as well as laughter and joy in the memories you share.
Love, Peggy
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Sending Natalie, my very first friend ever, and her family my deepest condolences and all of my love. Natalie and her Mom were two of the first humans I formed a connection with in my life! I was so fortunate to have been able to keep in touch with Caryle (and Natalie) for almost 30 years. She was one of the most beautiful, cool, adventurous, and lovely humans I have met. Some of my favorite childhood memories include times at Caryle’s parents house and reuniting with old friends after months or years of being a part. So much love, -Olivia 💕
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This past week, so many fond memories surround me of Caryle. What a wonderful human being. Life was an adventure for Caryle, to be lived to the fullest and I was lucky to share some of those adventures. She was one of the most genuine and honest people I have met. She lived her values by pushing for what she believed in. She was devoted to Natalie, her daughter, who I was lucky enough to get to know and follow through her schooling and entry into professional life. Both she and Caryle had a fashion sense that I envied. I will miss Caryle, her positive spirit, her keen intelligence, and her curiosity about nearly everything.
To Natalie and the rest of the Cammisa clan: I am so sorry for your loss. Caryle touched so many of our lives and she will be missed. Sending much love, Jeannie Harvey.
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I have fond memories of Caryle from our time working together in Bangladesh. She was so welcoming and kind; she introduced me to the artist Kanak Chanpa—both Caryle and I bought her paintings, (but Carlyle’s was much nicer! 😊) I was able to see it hanging in her living room years later in Nairobi. Especially memorable was a trip we took together to Nepal, where we explored the old kingdoms of Kathmandu--what a magical place and a fun time traveling with her. We went to the mountain town of Pokhara, where Carlyle’s open spirit and sense of fun drew the “Abominable Snowman” (man in costume) to sit in her lap and wrap his arms around her—-I can still hear her raucous laughter. What a special person; the world is a sadder place without her.
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I will always remember when Caryle and Natalie invited me into their beautiful home in Nairobi for my first Thanksgiving - the amazing company, food, listening to music in the living room after dinner. It was the start of a lovely friendship. Caryle was warm, kind and so inspiring to be around - she always made us engaged in interesting conversations.
Sending lots of love from us all,
Emma, Petter & Viola
Bo & Eva
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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how Caryle and I got to know one another long ago in Tbilisi, Georgia (USAID, 1996-1998). One of the things I’ve always loved about her was how persistent she was in getting to know me, inviting me into her and Natalie’s lives, and pulling me out of the isolation I had put myself into during those early days in a new place. It took me a while to realize that she was becoming one of those lifelong and very special friends. Someone I will always remember. As you all know, she had a rare gift for doing that.
Natalie - My heart is with you. This is a terrible loss.
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I'm a traveler. At 62 I've traveled much if the planet with Caryle's kid brother, Joe. And I have to say that Caryle, a sort of nomad at heart herself, was always one of the few who wholeheartedly encouraged our journey of outer and inner discovery. I will always remember Caryle for that. She was a shining star on my path. God bless.
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1983, Albany, New York, USA
Cooking in her student apartment
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My heartfelt condolences to Natalie and the entire Cammisa family on the loss of Caryle. She was undoubtedly a remarkable person, known for her warm, kind, and caring nature. Her strong personality and unwavering dedication to her ideas and beliefs were admirable traits that left a lasting impact on those around her. Caryle's adventurous spirit and international outlook on life were evident in her zest for new experiences and her love for exploring different cultures. May she find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to bring comfort and joy to all who knew her. Especially to Natalie. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sharing those photos of Caryle at a younger age will allow everyone to remember her as she truly was: fresh, smiling and happy.
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I met Caryle at a University of South Florida women’s leadership event. She humbly mentioned her USAID work to the group, so I had to wait in a half hour line of students and alumni wanting to talk to her, and I’m forever glad that I did. Caryle agreed to participate in a complex human trafficking disruption project, and she brought immense patience, sensitivity, and wisdom to the team, as I imagine she did throughout her life and work.
We discovered that we had a lot in common, including that we were neighbors in South Tampa, and truly became friends. During the pandemic, we would go for wonderful walks together all over South Tampa. We usually met in the same neighborhood mini-park that we called “la piazza.” I wasn’t there for the walk in which Caryle heroically jumped into Tampa Bay to save Natalie’s dog Lexi, but it was iconic!
Caryle’s dedication to learning, civic engagement, and environmental advocacy, and her commitment to all of these throughout her life and health levels, inspire me. I’m grateful to have her as a role model for those qualities, and I’m grateful for how she emotionally (and physically) showed up for me during one of the most challenging periods in my life.
Much love and many prayers to you, Natalie.
See you at the Piazza, Caryle.
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