Mary Teso Montano

Our beloved and cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, partner and friend, Mary Teso Montaño, passed away and entered eternal life on January 24, 2026. She was 72 years old and was the heart and soul of her family. Mary was always kind, caring, generous and brought joy and laughter to all those who knew her. She was deeply devoted to her family and friends and expressed her love, kindness, strength and wonderful gifts in many unique ways. Her love was unconditional and her heart was very forgiving. She put the needs of others first and delighted in sharing what she had with others. One of the ways Mary showed her deep love was through her delicious cooking which she did with a generous and loving heart.

Mary had a lifelong passion for sports. In her youth she was the catcher for various softball teams. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in physical education from the University of Arizona in the early 1970s and was a proud member of the Wildcat softball and field hockey teams during her college years. She continued to be an avid fan of all her alma mater teams, always rooting for the Wildcats to win.

Mary went on to teach physical education and social studies to countless young students at Valencia Middle School, where she worked for 19 years before retiring in 2019. She also enjoyed her time working at T & T Market with the Gee family, who were among her dearest friends. She took pleasure in platicando with the customers and people of the community and serving their daily needs, always with a kind heart and smile.

Mary was devoted to her Catholic faith which she practiced by teaching catechism for many years at St. Monica’s Church. Her faith and spirituality also inspired her to carry on many of the long-held religious traditions of her parents and grandparents, which she practiced each and every year in their memory, especially at Christmas.

Mary’s enthusiasm for life, positive and caring nature, and dedication to her family, friends and community will always be remembered. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We will continue to cherish our beautiful memories of her life with us and the brightness of her beautiful spirit. She is forever in our hearts and prayers.

Mary is survived by her children: Abel Montaño, Amanda (Mylo) Montaño-Erickson, and Katie (Sammy Carrasco) Montaño and her beloved granddaughter Violet Luna Carrasco. She leaves behind her siblings: Bob (Liz) Teso, Rita (Richard) Pesqueira, Susan Teso and Barbara Teso; niece Jeannette (Matthew) Ornelas and nephews Paul (Rachael) Pesqueira, Robert Villasenor, Henry Sanchez, Juan Brito and Nicholas Brito; grandnieces Mia Ornelas and Maya Pesqueira and grandnephews Anthony Ornelas and Julian Pesqueira. She is also survived by her devoted partner of 26 years, Raymond Mendibles and his sons Raymond and Johnathan and daughter Becky.