Theresa T. Montez

Theresa Montez died January 31, 2026 in Glen Rose, TX at the age of 88. 'Terry' as family and friends know her was born in San Benito, Texas. The family home was on Canal St. (now N Freddie Fender Ln) on the lot where the Freddie Fender Memorial sign currently sits just across from the resaca.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Dolores, Parents Benita Guerra & Santiago Cortez, brother Joe, sisters Raquel & Tencha, and husbands Gabriel Montez & Ed Casares. Survivors include Cynthia (Wayne), Gabriel (Julie) & JC, Becky Rich & RJ Casares, 9 grandchildren, & 12 great grandchildren.

Terry moved to Corpus Christi in her teen years and attended Miller High school, but left after her Jr year to marry her "prince charming". They had 4 children together.

Terry worked at Memorial Medical Center for 13 years starting as a cashier & leaving as an activities coordinator. Without experience she opened & managed 'the Copper Skillet restaurant' on Chaparral St. (not knowing this experience would lead her to the Federal Government) in Corpus. After 4 successful years she sold it and opened an Antique Shop operating it until 1984.

That very year she had a friend who encouraged her to apply for a Federal position at the NAS Corpus Christ Navel Hospital. She never imagined she could get such a position, but after much urging by her friend she got the job!! She began as a Service Contract Representative for Food Service (Copper Skillet experience) At slightly above entry level as a GS-5. Here, Terry volunteered to serve on the EEO committee, organizing special emphasis programs which promote education and awareness of contributions of the under-represented population in Federal Service. This is where she really started her passion of helping women, minorities & the underdogs!!

In 1992 the HRO in Corpus consolidated with the HRO in Pensacola, Florida, so off she went to work for the Department of the Navy as an Equal Employment Opportunity Representative GS-11, assigned to the Special Emphasis section where she managed the Federal Women's program, the Native American, the Asian American & the Hispanic Employment programs.

She loved her job and earned several awards that reflected that passion. One award that stood out to this small town uneducated girl (her words) was the 1999 Hispanic Department's Five-Point Program presented to those individuals who improve Hispanic representation within the Dept of the Navy. There were two other recipients, one a Navy Captain & the other a Major General in the Marines. In May of that same year, the National IMAGE organization presented her with the 'Outstanding Women of the Year' Award, a distinction awarded for the advancement of women in government and the local community.

In 2002 she was offered early retirement with an exciting bonus so took it, retired but remained in Pensacola another 10 years volunteering in the community and enjoyed traveling with friends.

In about 2014, she decided to move back to her home in Corpus Christi but this was another of her 'fun' adventures. Wayne rode a greyhound to Pensacola for many hours to help her pack, load and drive the U-Haul back OR so the plan was. Turned out she had accumulated enough stuff to fill 2 U-Hauls and she still had her vehicle to drive back too, Being the 'tough chick' she was she asked Wayne if he could tow her car behind his U-Haul, she would drive the other?? What!! This was on of her favorite "si se puede" moments. She got a girlfriend to ride in her U-Haul & they followed Wayne all the way to Corpus Christi. She says when she left Florida she was a bit nervous, sitting prime and proper, but within a few hours of driving she rolled the window down and had her elbow on the door, she arrived with a farmers tan to her left arm.

In 2022 she finally decided to enjoy the slow lane and move to Glen Rose Texas with her daughter, where she lived the last three years of her life. Her passion for helping others continued but at a much slower pace, she went to the nursing home weekly to visit with residents, volunteered at the food pantry, community events, church activities, and always had open arms for those who needed a hug, an ear, or a shoulder. She was everybody's momma, & will be surely missed by many.

A visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel, located at 4901 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, on February 16, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a rosary at 7pm.

The Funeral Mass will take place the following day, February 17, 2026, at 11:45 at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, located at 3210 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78415.

Interment will follow at Seaside Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 4357 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, on February 17, 2026, at 1pm.