Dominga "Inga" Montano

Dominga Garo Montano was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, take-charge attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease in the role of problem-solver. She was the type of person who could execute plans well, and had the drive to step onto center stage and take on whatever challenge confronted her. Inga always sought the scene where the action was occurring. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, she was undoubtedly an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Inga was born on January 8, 1967. She first greeted the world in Ilocos, Philippines. Her parents were Pedro and Juana Garo. She grew up in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Always able to express herself well, Dominga was always able to be open and direct in her communication and was eternally optimistic in her outlook on life. Armed with a great wit, she was raised to be accepting of others and to employ a strong personal work ethic. These were all traits that would help her throughout her life. Inga nearly died at her birth due to complications; she is a miracle child who grew up to miraculously touch our lives.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Inga was able to relate well to others. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. She was raised with four brothers and five sisters- Federico, Vicenta, Alejo, Avelina, Emily, Antonia, Catalino, Oliver, and Precila. She had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Inga showed her creative ability in many ways ranging from her various hobbies to her ability to develop new twists on old games. She always seemed to enjoy new activities and was constantly pursuing a variety of interests. She enjoyed playing sports while growing up, with her favorite being tennis. A take-charge person even as a child, Dominga liked being actively involved. Inga loved playing tennis and riding her bike, and could also be a bit of a "bully" with her quick wit and enjoyed hanging out with the boys.

Known to most people as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, Inga was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. She satisfied her curious nature by utilizing a hands-on approach to learning. She was good with facts and had an excellent memory. She graduated from Delano High School in 1985. Inga stayed active in the tennis club all through high school and excelled at it. She truly was a "natural."

When there was a goal in sight, Inga would work tirelessly to achieve it. This was especially true for college. As was the case in high school, her direct, down-to-earth approach served her well. She was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. Inga earned her nursing certification. She was well educated in the fields of nursing and science, both of which came naturally to her. She also possessed a great deal of compassion which went hand in hand with her nursing profession.

For Inga, relationships were precious things that should be valued. That was particularly true with her relationship with Joel Leon Montano. Joel and Inga were high school sweethearts from Delano High in California. They loved traveling to Los Angeles and going to the amusement parks. She did her best to be charming to everyone, but this relationship was special. She brought into it her gift for being able to give freely and generously. This was just one of the things she did to create a happy home. A good listener with an engaging personality, Dominga was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. The couple incorporated both old and new friends into their relationship.

Inga was blessed with one child, Tasha Marie. Because she was always so in tune with her daughter, Inga truly enjoyed being a mother. A devoted mother, Inga took her daughter to singing and acting classes. Tasha was the "light of her life."

As with other aspects of their lives, Inga tried her best to provide Tasha with a safe and nurturing home. She also tried to share her enjoyment of other aspects of her life. One area in particular was her love of pets, which she did by allowing her daughter to have Rocky, the dog. Inga took Tasha Marie to the pound to adopt a dog, for she knew that her daughter desperately wanted a dog. Rocky became an instant member of the family.

Inga never seemed to be afraid of work and was often willing, even early on, to tackle new and different challenges. Her primary occupation was working as a nurse. Though she rarely sought out any accolades for her achievements, she would humbly accept any recognition that came her way. At the age of 18, Inga began her career in the health care industry. She was a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) at Wahiawa General Hospital, and went on to work at St. Rose Hospital. She was always the type of a person who would help others before herself, making nursing a perfect fit.

Inga enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Some of her favorite hobbies were tennis, playing slot machines, reading the Bible, working out at the gym, cleaning, and cooking. Inga enjoyed listening to Christian music, and God's other music, including Jazz and top 40 hits. Her faith was dearly important to her, and went on a retreat two years ago to Mount Potosi, which truly enriched and blessed her heart and faith in the Lord.

Dominga Montano left us on April 26, 2011. She passed away in her beautiful home at only 44 years of age from ovarian cancer. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joel; daughter, Tasha Marie; brothers: Alejo, Catalino, Oliver; sisters: Virenta, Avelina, Emily, Antonia, Precila; and father Pedro Garo. Services were handled by Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Inga was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A direct communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her many friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. She enjoyed her life to the fullest because of the limitless experiences it had to offer. This is how everyone will remember Dominga Garo Montano.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.