Obituary of Dolores "Dee" A. Montoya

Dolores “Dee” Meri Alesna Montoya, age 65, passed away from diabetic complications on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.  She was born on March 27, 1953 in CarCar Cebu, Philippines. 

  As a hard and dedicated worker, she worked for the County of Santa Clara (5 years), Comerica Bank (17 years), and Wells Fargo Bank (25 years).  She loved to travel and was able to visit 28 states, in all, falling short of one of her bucket list items of visiting all of the states.  Her favorite excursions included trips to Alaska and visiting the New England States, during autumn, to observe the annual color change in the leaves of the trees.  Being an avid bird watcher, she traveled to Australia, Peru, Costa Rica, and Arizona, in order to view some of the more exotic birds.  She was a poet, creating several poems and inspirational one-liners like “Life can be demanding, only if you let it” and “Forgive, it will help mend a broken heart.”  Moreover, as an artist, she etched many beautiful birds and angels.  She loved to garden, especially planting flowers and shaping Bonsai trees.  Indoors, she cared for a variety of orchids.  She loved Christmas, and, thus, opened her home to family, friends, and neighbors, who would find a beautiful tree in every room.  Her decorating skills were evident at all holidays of the year.  She loved to play Bingo and slot machines, at which she was often seen winning a jackpot.  Other hobbies were her love of going to garage sales, as well as, collecting antiques.  Having a love of nature, she enjoyed camping, hiking, and fishing.  She was an Alzheimer’s Walk, Relay for Life, and American Cancer Society volunteer.  In addition, she supported several Catholic charities.  Dee touched many lives with her warm, caring nature and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

   She is survived by her husband, Robert Montoya; her brothers, Rogelio (Marilyn) Alesna of Salinas and Hermes Alesna of Las Vegas; her sisters, JoAnn (Paul) Magpusao, Pauline Meyers, and Glory Marie Alesna, all of Salinas; many nieces and nephews; her longtime friend Meriann Muraoka of Stockton; many other close friends; and, finally her loving dogs and companions, Rio and Sandy.

  She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Louis Alesna and Corazon Canaya; her sisters, Vangie (Pete) of Las Vegas and Clarisa (Virgil) Bunac; her brothers, Rechito, Fred and Frances Alesna, all of Salinas; her niece, Justine Alesna of Salinas; and her brother-in-laws, Bill, Walter, and Virgil; by her cats, Columbus, Mimi, BlueBell; and, finally, her loving pet dog, Ocean.

 

Visitation will be held on Thur. Jan. 31, 2019 1-9pm with a Rosary vigil at 7pm, all at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd Salinas, CA  93905.

Funeral Mass to take place on Fri., Feb. 1, 2019  1pm at Madonna del Sasso Church 320 E. Laurel Dr Salinas, CA  93906.

Burial to follow services at the Garden of Memories Cemetery 850 Abbott St. Salinas, CA  93901.

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