Antonia M Montoya

Mom was born Antonia Mendoza Amador on April 16, 1929. She was born in La Paz in what was then the territory of Baja California Sur. She was 3rd of 6 children. Mom had a great singing voice and was often asked to sing at school assemblies. When she was 14, her father moved the family to Santa Rosalia to find work at the copper mine. She was a good seamstress and would make dresses and alterations for a little bit of money. She also made some clothes for herself. She also worked at the mine co-op store where she kept the books tracking employees purchases and credit. She met Victor Montoya and they dated for some time. They loved to dance and would attend new year's and special event dances. When the ore at the mine ran out, Victor, most commonly known as "Gordo" moved north to Mexicali to find work. He did and with a few pesos in his pocket, he returned to Santa Rosalia to propose. They were married in 1956 and moved to Mexicali where they had the first two of four children, Maria and Jorge. They then moved to Tijuana where Victor Jr. was born. Victor was hired to work on commercial tuna fishing boats and was sponsored and immigrated to the US. In 1966 the whole family immigrated and moved to Chula Vista. With help from relatives, Anonia was able to find a house and when Victor returned from the sea they closed the deal and family moved in to the house they would live the rest of their lives. Child number 4, Alfonso was born in San Diego.

Victor and Antonia had a very loving marriage of 66 years. Antonia was a stay at home mom. She handled kids and finances while Victor was at sea working the tuna trade. They would dance all the time and even when they were both using walkers to get around. With her cup of coffee always nearby.

They enjoyed trips to baja for new years eve, camping at Bahia Conception and trips to visit mom's family in La Paz.

Antonia is survived by 4 children, 5 grand children and many loving nieces and nephews. She was so dear and wore her sweet smile to the end.

I love you mom and will miss your love and smile forever. Thank you for a wonderful life. I imagine you back together with dad, dancing in heaven. 🙏❤️