Terry Montoya

Terry Montoya, age 73, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, Monday November 6, 2023. Terry was known for her intelligence, loving heart, and the infectious joy, kindness, and generosity she shared with everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her father, Phillip Giron; her mother, Lucy Anaya Chavez; brothers, Diego Anaya, Joseph, Phillip, and Michael Giron; sister, Jesusita Giron; niece, Karen Will; and stepson, Rick Montoya.

Terry was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Phil and Lucinda. Terry was one of 13 siblings and as the second eldest, she always looked after her whole family. She married the love of her life, Richard Montoya, in 1977, becoming a loving stepmom to Rick and Marc Montoya. Their children Adam and Rachel followed soon after. Terry and Richard spent more than fifty wonderful years together. Terry was diagnosed with a major chronic illness in her early thirties, and despite being told she had less than a year to live, fought valiantly for nearly forty years. She was a fighter, always beating the odds by leaps and bounds. Terry dedicated her life to her family, volunteered tirelessly in her children’s schools, and did everything in her power to make her family happy. Terry also worked as a licensed Private Investigator for many years. She was a lifelong, avid reader who loved the public library. She loved all animals, particularly cats, and had many feline companions over the years. Her all time favorite was her beloved cat, “O”; she often boasted about his green eyes and silky black fur. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. She was a philanthropist, a champion arm wrestler, a traveler, a lover of comedy and music, an artist, a writer, a wonderful wife, a mom to anyone who needed her, and so much more. Terry touched many people's lives, loving them all as she loved her family. She was radiantly beautiful, inside and out. If you ever talked to Terry, chances are that you loved her.

Terry is survived by her husband, Richard (Dickie) Montoya; children, Adam and Rachel Montoya; stepson, Marc Montoya and his wife, LeDawn; grandchildren, Lane, Issac and Madison Montoya; sister, Cathy Ruybal and her husband, Ventura Ruybal; siblings, and many beloved nieces, nephews, Godchildren, dedicated friends, grandkitties, and everyone who has ever called her Mom.

A Rosary will be held followed by a Remembrance ceremony on Monday, November 20, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. A Reception will follow at 6:00 p.m. at The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 4120 Cutler Ave. NE, 87110.