Catherine Mijares

November 22, 1946 – June 26, 2026

Every season of Catherine's life was spent helping others discover hope, healing, and the love of Christ.

Catherine Mijares (Montanarello), beloved wife, mother, pastor, teacher, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, entered the presence of her Savior on June 26, 2026, at the age of 79.

Born in Yonkers, New York, Catherine's life was marked by a deep love for God, her family, and those entrusted to her care. On May 22, 1965, she married the love of her life, John Mijares, at St. Louis of France Catholic Church in La Puente, California. Together they shared 61 years of marriage, building a home centered on faith, love, laughter, and service to others.

Later in life, Catherine and John answered God's call to pastoral ministry. Together they served as ordained and licensed pastors in the International Foursquare Church, faithfully ministering side by side. Their ministry included Calvary Chapel in Flagstaff, Arizona; Highlands Christian Fellowship in Palmdale, California, where John served as Executive Pastor; and finally as pastors of Crossroads Community Church in Mojave, California, from 2008 until their retirement in 2022. Whether preaching, praying with others, or simply offering a listening ear, Catherine's greatest desire was to point people toward the hope, healing, and love of Jesus Christ.

One of Catherine's deepest passions was ministering to women. At Highlands Christian Fellowship in Palmdale, she founded Hearts on the Mend, a ministry created to encourage women experiencing life's hurts to discover healing, restoration, and God's unfailing love. Countless women found friendship, hope, and renewed faith because of her compassionate heart and steadfast encouragement.

Before entering pastoral ministry, Catherine dedicated her professional life to serving children with special needs as a Special Education teacher with the Lancaster School District in Los Angeles County, California. She retired from education in 2011 after years of faithfully advocating for and encouraging students and their families. She believed every child was created in the image of God and possessed immeasurable worth. Her patience, gentleness, and ability to see the unique gifts in each student left a lasting impact on countless lives.

After retiring from pastoral ministry in 2022, Catherine and John moved to South Carolina, where they found a new church family at East Lake Community Church in Irmo. Even in retirement, Catherine never stopped serving. Together they faithfully served as Discipleship Coaches, and Catherine continued investing in the lives of women through mentoring and encouragement. Her ministry was never confined to a title or a pulpit—it was simply the way she lived each day.

Above all, Catherine treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud Nona, and a faithful friend. She lived with a servant's heart, generously giving her time, wisdom, and love to everyone she met.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, John Mijares; her daughter, Michele Mijares; her grandchildren, Samantha Rae Smith, Gabriela Smith, Jon Elrod, and Emily Elrod; her great-grandchildren, Jaicen Jennette and Jasmine Jennette; and Christine's stepsons, Ethan and Tyson.

She is also lovingly remembered by John's brother, Reymundo Mijares; John's sister, Yolanda Espinosa; John's sister-in-law, Shirley West, whose faithful witness led Catherine to a relationship with Jesus Christ; Catherine's sister, Vinnie Montanarello; along with many nieces, nephews, church family members, former students, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her faith and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Christine Rae Johnstone, and her brother, Leonard Montanarello.

Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise that Catherine is now completely healed and forever in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and unconditional love will continue through the lives she influenced and the family she cherished.

Her family shares this tribute:

I will always miss your laughter, your smile, and your hugs. I am who I am today because of you, and I will be forever grateful for the love you poured into my life.

While my heart aches with your absence, I find comfort knowing you are free from pain and suffering, and that you have been reunited with your daughter.

Until we meet again, I'll see you in every passing bird, every fluttering butterfly, and every warm gust of wind. I know you'll always be with me.

I love you forever.

I like you for always.

As long as I'm living,

My Nona you'll be.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at East Lake Community Church, 10057 Broad River Road, Irmo, South Carolina. Friends and family are invited to gather from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. A repast will immediately follow.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the East Lake Community Church YouTube channel, allowing family and friends from around the country.