Abelina “Abby” Soto Montanaro

Abelina “Abby” Soto Montanaro

Abelina “Abby†Soto Montanaro was welcomed into the gates of heaven at the age of 65 January 19, 2022, at her home on South Padre Island, Texas, surrounded by her family.  She was a devoted wife to her college sweetheart, Frank–having just celebrated their 40th anniversary–a loving mother to her three children, and a proud grandma to her five grandbabies. Abby was excited to be expecting a sixth. 

            Abby was born June 18, 1956, to Antonio and Guadalupe Soto in Brownsville, Texas, and was the second of five children.  She graduated from Brownsville High School in 1974 and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978. Abby was a proud Longhorn and could be found at every Longhorn football game wearing her burnt orange and chanting “Texas Fight.â€

Abby was known for her infectious and radiant smile.  She was enjoying retirement, living in her dream house on the beach on South Padre Island after teaching for 36 years at Brownsville I.S.D.  She touched the lives of thousands of students during her tenure and loved being a math teacher.  Abby loved her students, and her passion for teaching was evident to all who entered her classroom.  She treated her students like her own and made a lasting impact on their lives.  She was like a mother to all of her children’s friends, making them feel welcome and at home at all times. Abby was admired by all who knew her.

            Abby will be missed dearly by her husband and her three children, who were her pride and joy.  She was enjoying her next chapter as a grandma.

Abby is preceded in death by her father, Antonio Soto Sr., and brother, Jose Luis “Joe†Soto.  She is survived by her husband, Francisco J. Montanaro Jr.; her children, Alexis (Rene) Del Bosque, Francisco Javier (Clarissa) Montanaro III, and Alyssa (Sean) Romero; her grandchildren, Katalyna, Austin, Nicolas, Alessandra, and Olivia; her mother, Guadalupe Soto; her siblings, Norma Flores, Yolanda (David) Capuchino, and Antonio (Belinda) Soto Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

            Services are being conducted by Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Brownsville, Texas.  Public visitation is Sunday, January 23, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Services continue Monday, January 24, at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., with the interment to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Buena Vista Burial Park.

19 Comments

  • Sylvia Van Coppenolle Posted January 20, 2022 2:50 pm

    My deepest condolences to Abby’s family. She was a sweet, beautiful soul. May she forever Rest In Peace

  • Norma Fernandez Posted January 20, 2022 4:05 pm

    Our condolences to the Montanaro & Soto family & May Abby RIP

  • Linda Hill Rivera Posted January 20, 2022 5:11 pm

    My most heartfelt condolences to All of the family. Abby and I were in high school together and I always remember her beautiful smile and kind heart. I will miss her dearly! May she rest in eternal peace
    Praying for peace and comfort through this tough time. Love you always sweet Abby
    Linda Hill Rivera

  • Ceci Guillen Posted January 20, 2022 7:36 pm

    My most sincere condolences to Abby’s family . I had the honor of working with Abby at Pace. She was a definite ray of sunshine. Abby was my niece’s Math teacher at Vela Middle school. Heaven has gained an Angel.❤️

  • Cecilia Posted January 20, 2022 10:47 pm

    Abby,
    I will miss our heartwarming conversations about life, kids, grandkids, gardening and so much more. Thank you for enriching my life these last 6 years since we reconnected. Your laugh and smile were so contagious and you touched many precious lives with just being you. Until I see you again dear friend. My condolences to Frank, the Romeros, del Bosque’s, Montanaros and Sotos.

  • Laura De Peña Salinas Posted January 20, 2022 11:18 pm

    Mis mas sinceras condolencias a la familia Montanaro Soto. Abby fue mi maestra en secundaria hace muchisimos años. Estoy sin palabras por esta triste noticia. La recuerdo con cariño.
    Sinceramente ,
    La Familia De Peña

  • Josie Campos Villarreal Posted January 21, 2022 12:56 pm

    Mr. Frank Montanaro Jr. and Family,

    My condolences on the passing of Abby. I was so sad to hear about Abby.
    I will keep all your family in my thoughts and prayers.

    Josie Campos Villarreal

  • Uncle Gus, Aunt Abby Vela and Cousins Posted January 21, 2022 7:45 pm

    Our Prayers and Condolences to all your family. Our Heavenly Father, Christ Jesus Our Savior and The Holy Spirit are with you all.

    Dear Alexis, Rene and Family, You all will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers in Christ Jesus Name Our Savior.

    Love, your Uncle Gus, Aunt (ALVESA) Abby Vela and Cousins

  • Marby Sweeney Posted January 21, 2022 11:44 pm

    Mrs. Montanaro was the ultimate best teacher I’ve ever had and I had the privilege of letting her know how much her love of teaching and kindness towards me positively impacted me later in life. I became a teacher and school counselor and hope to positively impact as many children as she did…pay it forward. She became my walking buddy later in life and I loved spending time with this beautiful soul. Her wisdom, zest for life, and positive energy will be missed terribly, but that’s how I will always remember my sweet and caring dear Abby…until we meet again.❤

  • Letty Martinez-Roerig Posted January 22, 2022 9:38 am

    Losing someone we love is one of the most heartbreaking and difficult events we will ever face in life. While death deprives us of a loved one’s physical presence, that doesn’t mean we’ve lost everything we love about the person.

    Abby, you are loved, admired and respected by so many people. You will be missed very much. I consider myself fortunate to have been considered among your friends.

    My heart is replete with sadness and tears, but the memory of you is filled with smiles. There are only a few who leave their footprints in the hearts and lives of so many people as you have.

    A beautiful soul is never forgotten. God has you in His arms. We have you in our hearts.

  • Sonia Corbeil Posted January 22, 2022 8:06 pm

    Wish I could of been there my kids loved her!! My sincere condolences.

  • Sonia Corbeil Posted January 23, 2022 8:15 am

    My sincere condolences to the Montanaro Family. My kids had Abby as a teacher and they loved her.

  • Silvia Taylor Posted January 23, 2022 12:48 pm

    My Condolences to the Montanaro and Soto Family. May Abby Rest in Peace.

  • Silvia Taylor Posted January 23, 2022 1:06 pm

    My Condolences to the Montanaro and Soto Families. May Abby Rest in Peace.

  • Lenny & Oralia Perez Posted January 23, 2022 6:35 pm

    Our sincere condolences to the Montanaro family. She was a great teacher and friend who will be missed by all of us that knew her.

  • Elsa Martinez Posted January 24, 2022 6:27 pm

    Abby, always with a radiant smile and kind words – like sunshine!
    I have fond memories of her kindness during our college years, always carefree and happy.

    My condolences to her family and friends for such a great loss.
    May faith and strength guide these difficult times for everyone.

    Gone to soon, rest peacefully Abby!

  • Elsa Martinez Posted January 24, 2022 11:24 pm

    My condolences to Abby’s family and friends. May you each find the faith and strength to see you through this most difficult period.

    Abby had a giant smile followed by a unique small laugh which always made you feel welcomed and happy to meet – like the sunshine!
    I have fond memories of her kindness during our college days in Austin.

    Gone too soon.
    Rest peacefully Abby.
    ♥️

  • Juan Velasquez Posted January 25, 2022 2:33 pm

    The task the Lord gave her was completed. God’s time is perfect and she reached perfection. May all family members find wisdom, understanding, peace and God’s love in this time of loss…

  • Jill O’Hara Posted March 8, 2022 1:45 pm

    I was fortunate to know Abby in the summer of 1976 when I worked at Good Neighbor Settlement House. she was such a good friend during my stay there and gave me much encouragement and laughter. My condolences are with her family. I too will always remember that smile.

    – Jill Featherston O’Hara

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