Marcella (Gonzales) Montalvo

Marcella Montalvo passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 2, 2021. She was born in La Colmena, Texas on November 6, 1925. She lived a charmed life, growing up on a ranch running cattle with her brother Richard Gonzales. She attended Las Yescas School where she studied under Mr. Kennemer who was a former New York Times reporter. Her education was top notch because her teacher had so many stories to tell, and the love for the English language. Marcella mastered English and soon went on to get a college degree at a time when few Hispanics, much less women got formal advanced educations. She went on to teach at various schools around Texas and abroad. Her favorite school was Frank Roberts where she enjoyed teaching Second Grade. She also taught school at Carver Elementary in Houston, Texas during a time of social unrest in the 60's in a dangerous part of town. With her love and compassion she won their hearts over and brought peacefulness and safety to her classroom.

Marcella joined her husband Rene Montalvo Sr. in his many travels around the world. The little girl from La Colmena became a globe trotter for many years. Where ever she lived, Indonesia, Brazil, Venezuela she created a community of friends that became life-long buddies. She shared her love of learning where ever she went, teaching in Venezuela out of her own home where she taught high school to her daughter Marie and Bamma Reichelderfer through the University of Texas in Austin.

During the pandemic she would often join in on student learning while her daughter was teaching, not unlike the parents of our students. These interruptions were always welcomed by students and parents alike. She encouraged students to do their best and offered them best wishes on a test. Again, she created a community, and notes flowed to and from students to her. She filmed several public service announcements about safety during the pandemic.

Marcella adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were all her pride and joy. She enjoyed road trips around Texas and was not above putting a six-foot tall cowboy in his place in Bandera, when he offered her five dollars for the family parrot. Her favorite place was the Island. She had often lived near the ocean, and the ocean brought her peace. Marcella was an avid reader to the end, and kept up with current events, she was also an awesome friend to the birds. Her final words were, "Tell them I love them with all my heart."

Marcella is preceded in death by the love of her life, Rene Montalvo Sr, her parents Manuel and Lucila Gonzales, brothers Ricardo and Conrado, sisters Olivia, Sylvia, and Tomasa. Marcella is survived by her darling sister, Edna Tamayo, whom she shared so many great times with. She is also survived by her children Rene Montalvo Jr. (Gloria) their children Michelle Romo (Benito) children Maya and Benito V. Michael Montalvo and his children Madi and Oscar, Dr. Marcus Montalvo, Roxanna Shimotsu (Ronald) and their children Lauren Shimotsu and Geoffrey Shimotsu, daughter Marie Montalvo and pets Cosmo Tamayo and Lilly Pad Montalvo.

Special thanks to Bee First Hospice for their compassionate care.

The Montalvo family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o'clock. (Click the link below to view the recitation of the Holy Rosary via live-stream.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Captain Michael Montalvo, Dr. Marcus Montalvo, Geoffrey Shimotsu, Benito Romo IV, Manuel Gonzales, and Henry Garcia Jr. Pleased to serve as honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ruben Gallegos, Mr. Eddie Jaramillo and Mr. Gilbert Jaramillo (her second grade students in the 1960's from Frank Roberts Elementary).

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home 1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, Texas 78586. 956.230.7198 www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com.

All guests are asked to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing while visiting the funeral home.