Marina E. Montellano

Marina Escobar Montellano showed kindness, generosity, and humility throughout her life. As a dedicated wife, loving mother, caring sister, aunt and grandmother, she made a lasting impact on everyone she met. Born on July 18, 1942, in Durango, Mexico, Marina lived a life full of love, laughter, and special moments. She passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and compassion.

Marina was born to Sebastiana and Higenio, and she spent her early years surrounded by the love of her three sisters—Faustina, Cira, and Florina. The family moved to Juarez, where Marina's adolescence was shaped by unforgettable memories. It was there that she met Pedro Montellano, marking the beginning of their beautiful love story. They said "I do" on June 16, 1962, and eventually made their way to Los Angeles, California, where they continued to build their life together. In 1973, the birth of their daughter Claudia brought great joy and purpose to their lives. Together, they created a warm, loving family that truly reflected Marina's nurturing spirit. They were married for 59 years and the loss of Pedro on March 28, 2022, left a void in their lives, and the family has been navigating their grief while cherishing the memories they built together.

From a young age, Marina had a talent for sewing. She turned sewing into an art form by making dresses for her dolls with colorful fabrics and delicate designs. As she developed her skills, she made outfits for Claudia, reflecting their preferences and styles. Each piece she created was a blend of creativity and passion, as she shared stories and memories through every stitch.

In her garden, Marina grew a variety of plants that flourished beautifully. Bright flowers, citrus trees, and sturdy cacti filled the space, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This vibrant garden became a peaceful retreat filled with life and beauty.

Marina loved to cook and this was love language. She spent many hours in her cozy kitchen, turning simple ingredients into delicious meals. To her, nothing compared to an authentic Mexican home cooked meal, pouring her love into every dish she prepared. The smells from some of her famous dishes, such as her traditional and estilo Michoacan enchiladas, and amazing bunuelos, known as “Chinchillas” to Johnny, would fill the home, bringing the family together around the table. She also dabbled in other cuisines, perfecting her egg roll recipe and other dishes.

On sunny afternoons, Marina enjoyed visiting her favorite shops with Claudia. Going to Ross, Marshalls and Joanns. She took her time to explore each item's story, finding joy in the thrill of the perfect find. In her later years, she would often say with a smile, “They don’t make this like they used to,” reflecting on the quality of craftsmanship from the past. A quick trip for a bite to eat often followed these outings.

Claudia and Marina also enjoyed going to concerts where they would fangirl over their favorite artists like Marco Antonio Solis, Luis Miguel, and JuanGa. Listening to these artists perform their favorite songs live brought immense joy to Marina.

When it comes to incredible outings, Marina and Pedro took Claudia on the adventure of a lifetime – trips to Disneyland! These unforgettable escapades were packed with laughter, thrilling rides, and mouthwatering treats that lit up their days. Now, Claudia is passing on this cherished tradition to Johnny, making sure that the magic and excitement of Disneyland live on for generations to come!

Marina held a special love for her grandson, Johnny. She viewed him as her sunshine, enjoying every moment spent with him. She showered him with affection, creating a strong bond that would last a lifetime. She was his Ma.

Her family and friends will deeply miss her. We treasure the beautiful moments we shared, from laughter at family gatherings to quiet afternoons reminiscing. Each memory reminds us of her vibrant spirit and the love that united us all.