Erlinda Rosalita Montoya

Erlinda Montoya (Linda) (88) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 12, 2023.  She was one of three children born to Teofilo and Magdalena Montoya.  She is survived by her adored daughter Dianne Montoya Brown, beloved son Mark Montoya (Dianne), grandchildren Angelique Montoya Chavez (Salvador), Richard (Ricky) Montoya (Suzette), Adam Carter and Paula Montoya; great grandchildren Jarred Chavez, Savaughna Chavez, Shaylene Porter and Elijah Montoya; niece Barbara Jaramillo and  nephew Steve Montoya.  She was preceded in death by her parents Teofilo and Magdalena Montoya, siblings Gilbert Montoya and Tomacita Jaramillo, Walter Montoya, children Richard Montoya, David Montoya and Paul Montoya. 

Linda was a talented seamstress, a skill taught to her by her mother.  Sewing came naturally and over the years she created many cherished pieces for her beloved family.  After raising her children, Linda got the opportunity to work outside the home for many years at a local laundromat and eventually worked for her son at his restaurant. 

Linda was a kind, gentle, soft-spoken human being.  Those qualities allowed her to develop wonderful relationships with family and friends.  Linda had a special relationship with each of her children and loved them dearly.  She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and spent quality time with each and every one of them.  She cherished her great grandchildren and took the opportunity to create special memories with them.   

Linda had a passion for reading.  She looked forward to reading the local newspaper and doing the crossword puzzle.  She would read up to ten novels a month.  She was well known at the neighborhood library and devoted countless hours to reading.  She shared her enthusiasm for reading with her children and grandchildren.  They can all recall their favorite books, stories, and lullabies that she shared with them growing up.   

Linda loved to dance and looked forward to hanging out with her friends and dancing the night away.  Bingo and slot machines were also a favorite pastime, and she would often slip off to a local casino with one of her children.  She looked forward to holidays and spending time with family.  Linda was also very religious and prayed the rosary daily.  Linda will be dearly missed and her family will always remember the impact she made on their lives.   

A celebration of life will take place Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 3424 Fourth St NW, Albuquerque, NM.  A rosary will be recited at 8:30am, funeral mass at 9:00am, followed by a reception at the parish hall.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Montoya, Ricky Montoya, Salvador Chavez and Adam Carter.