Lois Joyce (Viera) Montanes
Long time Santa Barbara resident Lois Montanes passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2014 after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 76.
Lois Joyce Viera was born to Laura Frates and Joseph Viera on November 26, 1937 in New Bedford, Mass. After her beloved mother passed away when Lois was 10, she lived with extended family before moving to Santa Barbara, CA to live with her brother, Raymond Borges, at the age of 15. Lois attended Santa Barbara Catholic High School and was introduced to her future husband, Arthur Montanes, through a friend while still a student. They married on January 28, 1956 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Santa Barbara, CA. Their oldest son, Robert Arthur, was born in April 1957 and son, David Joseph, was born 14 months later in June 1958.
Cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many, Lois had a generous spirit and unparalleled tenacity. She was a storyteller, avid reader, Bingo enthusiast and armchair Wheel of Fortune champion but her heart always belonged to her family and friends. Lois’ commitment to those she loved knew no boundaries; she was the first person everyone turned to for advice, help or support without judgment. Lois was a constant source of strength and warm hugs in both our happiest and darkest days. As her husband, Arthur, said at the time of her death, “She gave to everyone without any questions and never asked for anything in return, even if that meant that she had to go without.” She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Lois is preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Borges, and grandson, David Montanes, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Arthur Montanes of Carpinteria, and sons Robert “Bobby” and David Montanes both of Carpinteria, grandchildren Erin (Drew) Milan of Oakland, CA, Shannon Montanes and Tori Montanes of Santa Barbara and great-grandchildren Christopher and Zachary Milan of Oakland, CA. Lois was also “Auntie” to many nephews and nieces and their families including Gilbert (Esther) Contreras of Lompoc, Lynda (John) Iniguez of Goleta, Kathy (Abel) Medel of Oxnard, Laurie (Martin) Cabrera of Goleta and Michael (Becky) Sanchez of Goleta.
A memorial service celebrating Lois’ life will be held at 10am on Monday, July 7, 2014 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Santa Barbara.