Irene M. Montoya

1936 -2021 Irene Montoya, age 85, a resident of Belen, NM, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, surrounded by her sister, Tillie Gutierrez, brother, Richard Montoya and all her loving nieces and nephews. She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family and church. Irene was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and was a member of the Sacred Heart League. She is preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Vivian Montoya; nephew, Stanley Gutierrez; great-nephew, Fermin Gutierrez; great niece, Monica Montoya and great-nephew, Matthew Montoya. Irene is survived by her sister, Tillie Gutierrez; brothers, Richard “Dickie” Montoya and Percy Montoya; great-nieces, Terri (Dean) Chavez; Roxanne (Ralph)Fernandez; Janelle (Andrew) Otero; Michelle (Steve) Aragon; nephew, Michael Montoya and many loving nieces and nephews who loved her like a grandmother. Irene lived with her sister, Tillie, her entire life. She was a beloved aunty and cared for all her nieces and nephews. Irene was unselfish with her time and never missed an opportunity to spoil her family. She especially enjoyed spending time playing, singing and reading to the younger children. “Surely all the goodness and love has followed her and she is now in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6. Services will take place on Friday, July 2, 2021, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a Public Viewing at 9:00 AM, a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM, a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM and Interment to follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Dean Chavez, Andrew Otero, Ralph Fernandez, Andres Otero, A.J. Romero, Arik Montoya, Brandon Carrejo, Koty Luna and Arthur Fernandez. The Family would like to thank Father Albert, Deacon Robert Sanchez and Deacon Manny Trujillo as well as the Catholic Daughters of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Special Thanks to Presbyterian Hospice Care and AmberCare staff for being there for Aunty Irene and for making her and the family feel comfortable and cared for. Thank you also to Romero Funeral Home for their professionalism and kindness during this difficult time. A special thank you to Josefina Dozal and Rocio Contreras Bando for their exceptional love and care and all Irene’s wonderful relatives, friends and neighbors. Please sign Irene’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

Irene M. Montoya

March 27, 1936 - June 22, 2021