Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Elena Isabella Montez, affectionately known to so many as Tía Elena, who passed away surrounded by the love of her family in San Diego, California. Elena was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family. Her home was rarely quiet and her door was rarely closed. There was always music playing, something cooking in the kitchen, someone sitting on her couch, and usually her little poodle, Luna, wandering somewhere nearby. To her nieces and nephews, she was more than an aunt. She was a second mother, a friend, a confidante, and often the first person they called when they needed advice—or simply needed someone to make them laugh. Elena loved deeply and openly. She adored her grandchildren, celebrated every birthday as if it were a national holiday, took far too many pictures, and never let anyone leave her house hungry. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality impossible to forget. She could tease you one minute and hug you the next. Her laugh filled a room, and even ordinary Sunday afternoons became memories when Tía Elena was there. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and her beloved little poodle, Luna. Although our lives will never feel quite the same without her, Elena leaves us something that cannot disappear: decades of laughter, family traditions, photographs, stories, recipes, and countless moments of love. Te queremos por siempre, Tía Elena. Nunca te vamos a olvidar.