Manuela Y. Montemayor

Manuela “Mimi” Y. Montemayor, a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 26, 2023, at the age of 94 in San Antonio, Texas. Born on February 12, 1929, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Felipe Yanez and Guadalupe Uribe. Mimi spent her formative years working alongside her parents as a field-hand during the Great Depression. Nevertheless, she found joy in traveling with her seven siblings to the coast during the summer months. After moving to San Antonio, Texas, she joined the workforce at a sweater factory, where she met her future husband, David G. Montemayor, at the company picnic, and they married when she was only 19 years old. Together, they had five children.Following the upbringing of her children, Mimi took on the role of manager at St. Alphonsus Nutrition Senior Center, where she served with distinction for a decade. She took pride in everything she did and was a fashionista even if she was going to the doctor. Her hobbies included fashion, reading, and gardening. She was an avid reader and enjoyed seeking knowledge in medical books. Her sharp intellect, combined with her wit and indomitable spirit, endeared her to all who knew her. Mimi was a matriarch and the embodiment of beauty both inside and out. Her unwavering dedication to her family has left an indelible mark on those who loved her.Mimi came from a family of eight, including four sisters and three brothers. Though she lost her sister Teresa at the age of two, Mimi remained close to her siblings, who shared her love of tradition and family gatherings. Mimi's parents instilled in her a deep appreciation for family values, and every Sunday, Mimi's siblings gathered to pay their respects to their parents.As Mimi's family grew, so did her love for traditions. She took her children to the coast to continue the tradition of traveling with her family during the summer. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she celebrated it with great joy, honoring Jesus and continuing the traditions passed down from her parents including prayers and songs, serving tamales, ensuring everyone received a present and partaking in the joy of opening gifts.Mimi was a generous and loving person, who always accepted everyone for their worth, providing guidance and care to her nieces and nephews after her siblings passed. She raised her children with care and dedication, instilling in them the same values and traditions that she had inherited from her parents and that Mimi herself had lived by - hard work, dedication, and love for family and God. Mimi was particularly devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always praying for their futures and doing her best to shape them to succeed in the world. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, particularly when they made their Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.Mimi's love for travel took her to many places, including Mexico, Morocco, Spain, California, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New Mexico. During her trips she always made sure to indulge in her love of shopping, particularly for beautiful clothes, purses, turquoise jewelry, and shoes. However, her true passion lay in her garden and patio, which were filled with vibrant plants that brought her joy and peace as she hosted family gatherings.In her later years, Mimi faced challenges, but she never lost her spirit, strength, and determination. Her daughter Sylvia became her devoted caregiver, ensuring that Mimi had everything she needed to live a full life. Sylvia's love and care enabled Mimi to enjoy life to the age of 94, a testament to the love and dedication that had characterized her life.Mimi was a generous and loving woman who cared for her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, raised her children to adulthood and touched the lives of countless others. Her passing is mourned by all who knew her, but her legacy will endure as a testament to the power of love, family, and tradition.Mimi was preceded in death by her husband, David G. Montemayor; and seven siblings: Luis Yanez Sr (Virginia), Trinidad Yanez (Eva), Josephina Ramos (Theodore), Teresa Yanez, Ester Rangel (Gregorio), Mary Orosco (Henry), and Felipe Yanez Jr. Mimi is survived by her children, Hortensia Humphries, Melinda Markgraf (Danny), David Montemayor, Sylvia Montemayor, and Diana Thacker (Charles); 14 grandchildren: Javier, Yancy, Vicente, Michael, Melissa, Frank Jr, Stephanie, Lisa, David Joseph, Taylor, Megan, Nicholas, Chase, and Hunter; 21 great-grandchildren: Angie, Jaymez, Janessa, Alaya, Kayla, Dalia, Augie, Wednesday, Skylar, Caleb, Isabella, Aiden, Alexa, Christian, Katie, Morgan, Caroline, Maddox, Ethan, Logan, and Viviana.The family will receive guests beginning at 5:00 P.M. Monday, April 17, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

Father Larry will officiate. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.Pallbearers will be Javier Humphries, Vicente Humphries, Frank Villarreal, David Joseph Montemayor, Chase Thacker, Hunter Thacker, Nicholas Montemayor, and Caleb Lorch.Flowers may be sent to Porter Loring Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.