Christine Crissie Maureen Montes

Christine Maureen Montes, born April 7, 1949 in Vancouver, Washington, died March 23, 2012 at home in San Jose, California, her family at her bedside. Christine is preceded in death by her father Clifford Mercer who died when Christine was three years old, mother Irene Bailey, and step-father Frank Bailey. She is survived by her devoted husband, Randall Montes, step daughter Danae Lohr and son-in-law Dale, step son David Montes and daughter-in-law Natasha, grandchildren, Adam, Shane, Chaelynne, Hannah, Emma, Isabella and two great-grandchildren, Gage and Jax, sister Marilyn Mercer, mother-in-law Esthermae Montes, cousin Sue Mullen and her husband Walt Mullen, and many other loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Christine was raised in Hoquiam, Washington, then moved to San Jose, California at age 7. As a young girl, Christine enjoyed being part of a large extended family and playing with her many cousins. Christine loved to roller skate and took lessons at the local roller rink. She attended Booksin Elementary School, Edwin Markham Jr. High, and Presentation High School. She graduated from Willow Glen High School in San Jose, California in 1968. She completed business courses at Heald College.

On April 29, 1988 Christine married Randall Montes at the Lake Side Chapel of Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe, Nevada. She was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed cooking. Her home life was both peaceful and well-organized. One of Christine's special qualities was her thoughtfulness in remembering important dates and anniversaries, and her enthusiasm for finding that special card or gift for her family and friends.

She worked for many years as an accountant, most recently at Integrated Communications Systems where she took great pride and satisfaction in her work and made many friends.

Her favorite interests were studying plants, gardening, being an avid reader, and collecting ceramic roosters. She had over twenty rose bushes blooming in her garden. Christine was a member of the National Gardening Club, Women in Construction, and National Rose Society. She was an avid football fan and loved watching her favorite teams, Notre Dame and the 49ers. Christine loved to travel to many of the states. Some of her favorite vacations included: Hawaii, Washington, Michigan, and North Dakota.

Christine was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. She loved her English Springler Spaniels: first Leroy then Freddie, each sharing her life for 14 years. She loved her new puppy, Louie who joined the family just five weeks ago.

Crissie’s life experiences and personality gave her the strength, grace, and courage that she showed over the last two years of living with lung cancer. She always appreciated whatever small things others would do for her. She expressed gratitude for the care and expertise of her physician, Dr. Thomas Chen and that of his staff.

Services were held at Chapel of the Roses at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California. She is greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.