Nellie "Nana" Montoya

Nellie "Nana" Montoya was born July 31, 1932, to Antonio and Cleotilde Chavez Cordova, in La Joya, New Mexico. She attended Belen High School. Went on to St. Joseph's College where she met her soulmate, Orelio Jose Montoya, and they Married on February 6th, 1954.

Nellie retired from the Albuquerque Public Schools System, being the heartbeat of each particular school. Administrative Assistant to Principal, Counselor, Mother, Sister, Supply Coordinator, Band-Aid provider, Event Coordinator, and #1 Cheerleader.... As one of the founders of Queen of Heaven Church, formerly known as Regina Coeli, she served in several parish ministries: Altar & Rosary - designing yearly Bazaars, Fashion Shows & Parish Fiestas; A Catechism Teacher; Marriage Enrichment Sponsor; Eucharistic Minister; Our Lady of Guadalupe Society Guadalupano; Charter Member of Catholic Daughters, serving as Regent, and District Deputy; And, with Orie, recipient of the St. Francis of Assisi award. One of her biggest joys, singing in the Spanish Choir, lifting her voice to our Saviour, Jesus.

An avid bowler and dancer, a joyful Marcha Padrinos, and a true lover of life and people. She was devoted to prayer and cherished her relationships deeply. With a heart of gold, a radiant smile, and a booming laugh, she brought joy to everyone who heard her voice.

She went peacefully to her Heavenly Home on Friday, May 30th. She is now reunited in heaven with Orie; Son, Tom; Parents; Sister, Mary; Brothers, Dennis & Rey; Sisters-in-love Becky, Jeannie, Genevieve, Elisa, Clorinda, Eloisa & Viola; Brothers-in-love Desi, Clarence, Jeff, Alfredo, Alfonso, Eugenio, Bill; Primos Rudy & Lucy, Melvin, Victor.

She is survived by her sisters, Vera and Jeanette; Sister-in-love, MaryAnn; Brother-in-love, Jerry; Primos Lovelia, Consuelo, Vincent (Mary); Sons and Daughters-in-love, Gerald & Phyllis, Mark & Michelle; Daughter & Son-in-love, Sheila & Clinton, Jr.; Her loving Grandchildren, Rashelle & Chris, Jessica & Joe, Jacob, Clinton III & Jennifer, Octaviana, Desiree, TJ & fiancé Belinda, Jerilyn & Taylor, Joel & Hannah, Ezra & Sarah, Joseph & fiancé Avery, Nicolena & fiancée Hayden; Great-grandchildren, Daniel, Ryan, Brandon (Joci) Christopher, Clinton IV, Josh, Lavendyr, Zoe, Orelia, Haley, Isabella, and Alyssa; & Great-Great-grandchildren, Lilly & Jeremiah.

A loving host of nieces and nephews; 2nd Primos, neighbors, friends, doctors, nurses, caregivers, all who have kind words to say about her, and her genuine love for all.

To mention everyone would be a disservice, as her impact reached so many. Only she would truly know all the lives she touched with her presence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association in Nellie's name.

A Rosary will be held Saturday, June 7th, 2025. at 9:30 a.m., with Mass immediately following at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5310 Claremont Ave NE, Albuquerque 87110. Reception at Parish Hall after Homegoing Service.