Our beloved Pauline Morcilio Montanez passed away March 23, 2021, at the age of 94. Pauline was born January 7, 1927, in Honolulu, HA. She was the fourth of seven children. Pauline graduated from the ninth grade (typical of that era) and completed her education in nutrition from San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX.
Pauline was extremely proud of growing up in a tropical paradise, and it is worth noting she experienced Pearl Harbor first-hand. She often shared her memories of hiding under the bed while the Japanese planes flew over her house. She recalled her father shaking his broom at them in protest for the horrible invasion. Pauline, aka Little Grandma, enjoyed cooking Puerto Rican food and crocheting blankets, baby clothes, table cloths, and doylies. In January 1958, her family of seven moved from Hawaii to Texas and Little Grandma felt she would never be able to endure the “harsh Texas winter.” Sixty-three years later, she still didn’t like the cold weather and longed for the perfect tropical climate she left behind -- even though she refused to travel to get there. To know Pauline was to know her beautiful smile, modest wardrobe of Hawaiian muumuus, and love for casual conversation about her native Honolulu.
Pauline is preceded in death by her parents, Helo and Victoria Morcilio; husband of 62 years, Josefredo Montanez, Sr.; son Josefredo Montanez, Jr.; granddaughters Diana Jaime and Shannon Galvan, great-grandson Nikolas Jaime, great-great granddaughter Apollonia Ortiz, and great-great grandson Isaac Mesa, III; brothers Santo and Raymond Morcilio; sisters Angelina Torres, Dorothy Crabb, Josephine Perez, and Dominga DeLeon. She is survived by her sister Jovita Sanchez of Stockton, CA; children Victoria Garcia, Helen (Gene) Galvan, Melvin (Guadalupe) Montanez, and Paulette Ortiz; her grandchildren Dorothy Robles, Manuel Robles, Jr., Gerard Montanez, Rene (Chris) Downour, Priscilla Ortiz, Donna Robles, David (Dalia) Ortiz, Gracie Rodriguez, Polly Ann Ortiz, Lani Medrano, and Mel Montanez; 28 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, March 29 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Zoeller Funeral Home with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 245 S. Hidalgo Ave., New Braunfels, Texas 78130, with a burial at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park immediately after the service. Pallbearers include AJ Lagunas, Christian Ortiz, Cristina Cantu, David Ortiz, Izaac Martinez, Jacob Montanez, Jonathan Ortiz, and Stevie DeLeon. Honorary pallbearers are Gerard Montanez, Manuel Robles, Jr., and Mel Montanez. The family requests social distancing for the duration of services and thanks you for all condolences and respects.
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