Gloria Montoya

Gloria G. Montoya of Cundiyo, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in Los Alamos on March 8, 2026. Born on July 25, 1930, to Elizario and Estefanita (Martinez) Garcia, she was the fourth eldest in a large and loving family.

Her lifelong interest in the medical field and deep commitment to service led her to train as an x-ray technician at St. Vincent Hospital. Later in life she served as a hospice volunteer and as a medical assistant for Dr. Charles Riley. Gloria generously shared her time and talents through numerous community and church activities.

She married Joe Montoya in 1950, and the couple settled in San Pedro to raise their family. Their life together was filled with camping adventures, visits to national and state parks, zoos, museums, and nearby fish hatcheries. In later years they traveled to Europe, where they formed many lasting friendships. In 1976 they moved into the home they had built in Cundiyo, creating a place of peace, joy, and happy memories for family, friends, neighbors, and even the occasional stranger who found themselves lost where GPS never reaches.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Gloria’s life. She was happiest surrounded by the people she loved, trusted in God’s will, and often spoke of La Misericordia de Dios. In her final days she reflected simply, “It’s been a good run.” She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Joe, their son Joe M., her parents Elizario and Estefanita Garcia, her in-laws Jose E. and Celestina Montoya, and many siblings and other loved ones.

She is survived by her children Joyce Markusfeld, Paul (Priscilla) Montoya, and Consuelo Montoya (Sam Loftin); grandchildren Daniel and Francisca (George Vigil) Montoya, Joe (Staci) Markusfeld, and Teresa (Stan) Gregory; great-grandchildren Georgia and Thomas Vigil, Alexis and Alana Markusfeld, and Ben and Luke Gregory; her siblings Annabelle (Ron) Brazeal, Robert (Lucy), Joe (Debbie), and Ben (Charlotte) Garcia; sister-in-law Marvine Garcia; and many beloved nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.