M. Jovita Montalvo

Maria Jovita Montalvo entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the age of 80. She was born in Laredo on October 24, 1943 to Alfredo Montalvo and Jovita Cadena Montalvo, both proud descendants of pioneer ranching and farming families in Mexico and South Texas. She was a lifelong resident of Hebbronville, Texas except for brief periods away while attending school.

At an early age, she showed great talent as an artist, a hobby she took into adulthood, both personally and as a teacher. She was heavily involved both before and after her father's death in the family ranch, becoming its foreman in the 1970’s for her mother and continuing to manage the ranch until her death.

Graduation from High School in Hebbronville took her to Texas A&I University and the realization of a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She taught in Hebbronville, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, teaching Art in addition to other subjects and ending her career teaching English to ESL students.

While pursuing her career, Jovita lovingly cared for her mother until her death and for a period of time, commuted daily from Hebbronville to Laredo. In addition to the love and care she showed her mother, Jovita cared for countless animals. She built a cat shelter for feral cats, caring for as many as 25 cats at a time, in addition to innumerable stray dogs. Jovita also covered countless veterinary visit bills from her own funds, to make sure these animals were taken care of, as well as making sure they were spayed and/or neutered.

She has left an indelible mark on all the children she taught, the community she loved, and her family and friends who will never forget her.

Jovita was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Elvira Cuellar and her brother, Francisco Montalvo, M.D.

She is survived by her brother, Alfredo (Maria Ester) Montalvo of Davis, California; brother-in-law, Hector Cuellar of Houston, Texas; her very dear cousins, Fantina Garcia and Jorge Pena both of Hebbronville; numerous nieces, nephews and many extended family members.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Hebbronville with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the New Hebbronville Cemetery.