Dr. Mary Carmen Cauthen

November 14, 1968 - April 21, 2020

Dr. Mary Carmen Cauthen, 51, gained her angel wings on April 21, 2020 at Palms West Hospital with her husband physically by her side and her dearest children, family and friends virtually by her side. This angel was born on November 14, 1968 in Willingboro, New Jersey as the youngest of seven children to Robert and Mary Grisko. She cherished the Spanish and Polish culture her parents imparted to their family. As an active young girl, she participated in numerous sporting activities including swimming and lacrosse. This social butterfly sprouted a passionate, outspoken and lively character throughout her youth that carried into her adulthood. From 1989-1994, Dr. Mary birthed her four beautiful children, her proudest and dearest accomplishments: Jasmine Greene, Jade Greene, Javonti Greene, and Javian Greene. She relocated to Florida, where she met the love of her life, Jonathan “J.D.” Cauthen. In 2000, the two married in Jacksonville, FL, sealing the strong Cauthen-Greene family bond that stands to this day, a bond which with open arms welcomed her extended children: Domonique Brown, Whitney Chambers, and Stephanie Marina. Dr. Mary always said she most cherished the moments she, her husband and kids all spent together. She especially loved the game nights, holiday traditions, graduations, vacations and birthdays! Dr. Mary deeply valued her academic accomplishments. She earned her high school diploma from Willingboro High School in 1986 and attained her Associate of Arts from Pierce College in 1995. She decided later in life to continue her educational journey starting at Palm Beach Community College and did so while working full time and taking care of her precious family. She eventually transferred to Florida Atlantic University and after several years of late-night classes, acquired both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Justice Policy and Management, in 2002 and 2006 respectively. She did not stop there! As her crowning scholarly achievement, for five years she researched and wrote her dissertation, Identifying and overcoming barriers domestic violence victims face: A victim advocate perspective, which in 2015 earned her a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Safety with a specialization in Criminal Justice. A true servant-leader, Dr. Mary worked tirelessly at the YWCA of Palm Beach County, Inc. for just shy of 18 years. This ardent spirit dedicated herself to the organization’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Most recently, she served as the Chief Program Officer managing all operations and staff at the YWCA. Over the course of her career, she provided services to well over 8,000 victims of domestic violence and provided trainings to professionals throughout Palm Beach County. She zealously facilitated numerous community education and awareness events on domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. She spoke often about her biggest dream: the YWCA expanding to impact more women and children. An extraordinary woman, Dr. Mary lived by the courage of her convictions using her greatest gift – her heart. This advocate received numerous awards emphasizing her dedication to fighting violence and empowering women: Outstanding Achievement Award for facilitation of “Steppin' Out Against Violence" in 2004; recognition for her Community Education and Supportive Services to Victims of Domestic Violence in 2005; Appreciation Awards for her participation in the Federal Women’s Program at the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center for Women’s History Month in 2006 and 2007; the Barry Krischer Humanitarian Award for outstanding services to victims of domestic violence in 2017; and nomination for the Victim Advocate of the Year Award with the Attorney General of the State of Florida in 2018. Anyone who knew Dr. Mary knew her love for soaking up the sun at her local beach or pool. She also prided herself on her appearance, dressing daily in the most stylish and color-coordinated attire with accessories to match! She relished in her pampering from her biweekly nail services to her monthly couple’s spa massages. Delighting in working out to maintain her fitness, Dr. Mary also regularly participated in Crossfit and 9Rounds classes. And in honor of her favorite color and favorite Eagles NFL football team, she proudly claimed she would always “bleed green!” Friends and family titled her the queen of Facebook, the social media platform where she enjoyed electronically sharing pictures of absolutely every single special person and moment in her life, including her day-to-day duties as “Doggy Mommy” to her two darling pups, Adonis and Dallas. Silly phone games, like Candy Crush, Words with Friends, and Anagrams; group games, like Taboo, Guesstures, Catch Phrase, Monopoly, Dominoes and Heads Up; and card games, like Spades, were some of Dr. Mary’s favorite little joys in life. Last, but certainly not least, she adored her trips – especially the girls’ trips with her most treasured lifetime friends/sisters Jill Lewis, Tara Nelson, Barbara Sanders and Karen Butler, among others, as well as her visits with her hometown friends. The beloved Dr. Mary Carmen Cauthen is survived by her loving husband J.D. Cauthen; treasured children Jasmine Carolyn Greene, Jade Amber Greene, Javonti Quinnel Greene, and Javian Valentino Greene; granddaughter Lilo Dayenu Greene; father Robert Raymond Grisko; siblings Louis Grisko, Stella Carmenia Delehman, Michael Anthony Grisko, Robert Raymond Grisko Jr., and Christopher Scott Grisko; and plentiful nieces, nephews and in-laws. She is predeceased by her mother Mary Carmen Grisko, August 27, 2016; sister Carolyn J. Grisko, April 10, 1984; extended Cauthen family members: grandmother Bernetta Cauthen Simpson, December 25, 2018 and nephew Jonathan Dominique Cauthen Jr., September 28, 2017; and lastly, dogs Mercedes, circa 1996, Sampson, circa 2012 and Duke, August 9, 2011. In lieu of flowers or other similar gifts, please honor Dr. Mary’s legacy by donating to the YWCA of Palm Beach County, Inc., the organization to which she dedicated much of her life's work empowering women and fighting domestic violence. Countless people mourn the loss of Dr. Mary. She was a dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, partner, educator, counselor and friend. But most of all, she was LOVE. She brought so much light, compassion, joy and laughter to the world. Sharing herself openly and serving as confidant to many, Dr. Mary embodied the beauty of true strength and sacrifice. All who met her gained a treasured experience that will last in their hearts forever. “One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs nor the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.” So many miss this angel, but she will always be remembered. And, just as she did in life, she will be flying watching over her special loves holding their hands. She is with them, with us, with you. Rest in peace Dr. Mary Carmen Cauthen. The love we hold for you will endure infinitely.