Maria Luisa Montoya
March 9, 1945 - August 22, 2025
Maria Luisa Montoya, lovingly known as Mama by her family, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on March 9, 1945, in Villagrán, Guanajuato, Mexico, the daughter of Maria de la Luz Hernandez and Luis Marco Montoya. Maria was one of six children, deeply admired and cherished by her parents, whom she never forgot and always carried in her heart.
In her home country, Maria became a self-taught seamstress, inspired by her mother, who specialized in designing beautiful gowns. Through her dedication, she created custom dresses for weddings, traditional Mexican attire, quinceañeras, and other special occasions. She also lovingly sewed personal clothing for her children and grandchildren.
In September of 1961, Maria married her late husband, Martin Zamora Lopez. Their love blossomed into a beautiful family, blessing them with 12 children, 28 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Ozzy.
Maria’s time in Mexico came to an end when she migrated to the United States on May 5, 1990. Here, she worked in the housekeeping industry, laying the foundation for her family to begin their new journey in this country.
She was the pillar of her family, always determined to provide security, love, and peace to those she cared for. She taught her daughters and sons the importance of providing for the generations yet to come.
Maria is remembered for her delicious cooking, her kind words, her smile, and above all, her great faith in God and the Holy Mary.
After her diagnosis, she showed the true meaning of courage by facing challenges with strength and always keeping her great faith in God. We honor Mama by keeping and cherishing all the memories close to our hearts with the love and respect that she taught us.
Thank you, Mama.
We are grateful to everyone for being with us during these difficult times. God bless you. Thank you.
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where a vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and “T” Street.
En memoria amorosa a María Luisa Montoya,
conocida como mamá por sus seres queridos, quien falleció en paz rodeada de su familia el 22 de agosto de 2025. Nació el 9 de marzo de 1945 en Villagrán, Guanajuato, México. Hija de María de la Luz Hernández y Luis Marco Montoya. Fue una de seis hermanos, profundamente amada y admirada por sus padres, a quienes nunca olvidó y siempre guardó en su corazón.
En su país natal fue una costurera autodidacta, inspirada por su madre, quien se especializaba en vestidos formales. Llegó a confeccionar vestidos a medida para bodas, trajes tradicionales mexicanos, vestidos de quinceañera, otros eventos especiales y ropa personal para sus hijos y nietos.
Se casó en septiembre de 1961 con su difunto esposo, Martín Zamora López. Su amor prosperó en una gran familia de 12 hijos, 28 nietos, 14 bisnietos y su amado perro, Ozzy. Su tiempo en México llegó a su fin cuando emigró a los Estados Unidos el 5 de mayo de 1990. Durante su tiempo en los Estados Unidos trabajó en la industria de limpieza, donde abrió camino para que su familia iniciara su propio recorrido en este país.
María fue un gran pilar para su familia, siempre determinada a brindar apoyo, seguridad y amor a todos aquellos a quienes quería. Enseñó a sus hijas e hijos a proveer para la próxima generación. La recordamos por su deliciosa comida, sus palabras amables, su sonrisa y su gran fe y amor a Dios y a Maria Santisima.
Tras su diagnóstico, mostró el verdadero significado del valor al enfrentar los retos con fortaleza y mantener siempre su gran fe en Dios. Honramos a Mama guardando y atesorando todos los recuerdos cerca de nuestro corazon con amor y respecto que ella nos enseñó.
Gracias mama.
Agradecemos a todos por estar acompañandos en estos momentos dificiles, dios les bendiga. Gracias.
In Loving Memory
i send blessings and prayers to all family of Maria Luisa Montoya. i’m sorry for everyone’s loss, she will be very much missed by so many people. she’ll always be taking care of you guys from above. my condolences. love, Andrea Zavala
Andrea Zavala
salt lake city, utah
Until we meet again Doña Luisa. You were the most honorable woman I ever met. You had the biggest heart. You loved everybody you met and everybody loved you. I am crushed, my heart is broken. I will carry you in my heart until I the day I see you again and I can get one of the special hugs you knew how to give. Thank you for everything and thank you for welcoming me into your family. I loved you so much and I will miss you. God bless your family. I know how much they will miss you. I will always miss your wonderful food. Zamora family I'm sorry I couldn't go to the funeral but I wouldn't have been able to handle it. I love you all and I pray that the good Lord will give you the strength to endure the loss of your beautiful, wonderful mother.
Aurelia Guardado
Ogden, Utah