Lucille L. Montoya, lovingly known to family and friends as Lucy, Lu, Mama Lu, Sis, Mama, and Cita, as well as Mrs M. to students, passed away into eternal peace. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and woman of deep faith, Lucille leaves behind a legacy of profound love and dedicated service to her family, friends, students, and community.

Lucille was born on July 22, 1949, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Don S. Montoya and Molly Roybal Montoya. She came from an extremely close and loyal family. She was deeply rooted in her heritage and family traditions, cherishing the memories of her maternal grandparents, Eugenio Roybal and Manuelita Q. Sandoval; her paternal grandparents, Pedro Montoya and Pilar Sanchez Montoya; and her godparents, Alfonso and Miquela Romero, all of whom held a special place in her heart throughout her life.

Growing up in Albuquerque, Lucille attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1967. Driven by an early passion for learning, she later studied computer programming at Northern New Mexico Community College.

A devoted and unwavering Catholic, Lucille spent more than 20 years in faithful service in Perpetual Adoration, remaining deeply committed to her relationship with God and sharing her spiritual gifts with those around her. Her faith guided her daily life, providing a foundation of strength and compassion that she extended to everyone she met.

Lucille dedicated much of her life to education and helping others. She joined the Educational Assistant program at Española Valley High School, where she faithfully served students and staff for a total of 23 years as a beloved substitute teacher and librarian. Through her work, she touched thousands of young lives with her patience, warmth, and enduring wisdom.

Lucille is survived by her loving husband, Carlos Montoya; her cherished children, Renee McCullough (husband Rick McCullough), Marvin Montoya (girlfriend Shannon Hopwood), and Janeen Estrada (husband Pete Estrada) as well as foreign exchange students Ignacio Sanchez-Nicholas and Carlos Sanchez-Nicholas she loved like her own sons; her adoring grandchildren, Jaden Martinez, Christian Montoya, Michael Hopwood, Lainey Hopwood, and Jazmyn Montoya; her siblings Cecilia Zamora, Albert Montoya, Annette Chavez, Donna Salazar, Rebecca Martinez, Cynthia Lopez, Rosalynn Montoya, and Amy Ruiz; as well as many other extended family members and dear friends who will miss her guidance and presence immensely. She was preceded in death by her daughter Christine Agnes Montoya, parents Don S. and Molly Montoya, and in-laws Efren and Jennie Montoya.

Though she will be deeply missed. Her family and friends find comfort in knowing she is now at home and at peace in the loving presence of God. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, a Public Viewing will be recited at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, at 5:30 pm, with Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm.

A Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, NM, at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Mount Calvery Cemetery in Albuquerque, NM (1900 Edith Boulevard, Albuquerque, NM).

The family of Lucille Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477