Avelina Montoya enjoyed 93 years on earth and is now at peace with her heavenly father. She passed away peacefully at her home in Cuyamungue on January 31, 2026.

We honor those gone before her; husband, Baudino, beloved son, Daniel; her parents, Gavino and Eliza Rivera; her sister Angela Lopez; in-laws, Ramon and Catalina Montoya, Esquipula Montoya, Henry and Bertha Montoya, Joe and Laura Montoya, Harold Valencia and Ray Lopez.

Avelina was born in Nambe, New Mexico on May 7th, 1932, to Gavino and Eliza Rivera. Her early years were filled with memories of hard work and adventures with her siblings and cousins. Being the second oldest of seven, she was tasked with many chores including caring for her younger siblings, tending and harvesting the garden and fruit trees, and cooking. The importance of faith, family, and education were instilled in her at a young age. She married her high school sweetheart, Baudino “Buddy”, in 1954 and moved to Cuyamungue where they built their home and raised their 5 children. As a mother she was loving, supportive, and always encouraged a sense of discipline and hard work. She worked at the Headstart Program for several years and went back to school at the College of Santa Fe where she received her BA in Education at age 42. She worked hard and got her degree all while raising her children. She taught kindergarten through third grade at Pojoaque Valley Schools for 17 years until retiring in 1992. She was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Altar Society, the Holy Family Society, the Padre Pio Prayer Group, and sang in the Nambe choir for many years. Her dear friends Angie, Ramona, and Elvira were very special to her, along with her sister Angela. They referred to themselves as the “Golden Girls”. They loved spending time together and always kept in touch. Avelina and Buddy enjoyed traveling to different countries after retirement but were always happy to come home. As a grandma, she played a large role in raising her ten grandchildren. She was frequently babysitting and putting her teaching skills to use. She also remained close with all of her siblings throughout her life, always enjoying family gatherings and visits. As they got older they all relied on phone calls to continue to keep them connected. Later in life she enjoyed knitting, reading, and always watching her favorite game shows. She always looked forward to her children and grandchildren coming to visit her.

Avelina is survived by her children: David (Cindy), Diana (George), Donald (Jennifer), Derrick (Lisa); daughter-in-law, Debra Rivera; grandchildren, David, Christian (Kacey), Tess (John), Dominic, Adam (Angie), Vanessa, Logan, Amanda, Taylor (James), Gabriel; great grandchildren Adam Baudino, Omar, Ava, and Bodhi; siblings Betty, Corrine (Lou), Floyd, Walter (Brenda), Geraldine (Ron), sister in law Anna; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Amanda Montoya for lovingly visiting daily and attending to many of her needs and daily tasks.

A Rosary will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 9:00 am, with Mass to follow at 10:00 am at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church in Pojoaque, New Mexico

The family of Maria Avelina Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477