Bernice Gallegos Montoya

Friday, May. 15, 2020

Bernice Gallegos Montoya

April 7, 1929 ~ April 27, 2020

Bernice Gallegos Montoya passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family early in the morning on April 27, 2020. Bernice lived a long and happy life that was filled with family, food, music and culture. 

Bernice was born in Cuba, New Mexico on April 7, 1929 to Felicito Gallegos and Juanita Valdez Gallegos. She was one of nine siblings and she spent her early life with her parents and siblings on the family farm. In 1946, she married Bences Montoya, with whom she spent 72 wonderful and happy years before his passing in August 2019. Their early years of marriage were spent in Cuba, New Mexico before they moved with Bernice’s family to Salt Lake City in 1950. After their move to Salt Lake City, their family grew and they raised three daughters, Rosalie, Loraine and Arlene; and two sons, James and Michael.

Bernice was very social and made friends easily. Those who knew Bernice loved her sense of humor; she loved to laugh and she encouraged playfulness and joy in those around her. She worked at Hiller Book Binding Company, where she was loved and made many close connections, one of whom would become her son-in-law Richard. After her time at Hiller, she and Bences owned and operated The Pasttime Lounge in Midvale for several years and she later worked for Mervyn’s Department Store.

Bernice was raised in a large family and she instilled the importance of close connection into her own family. She was known affectionately as “Nana” to all of her grandchildren, and her home was a warm and welcome refuge to all that came to visit. When you arrived at her home, you could expect to be greeted with the absolute best New Mexico cuisine including homemade tortillas, pinto beans, red and green chile, and pozole. 

Bernice is survived by her daughters Rosalie (Richard) Prime, Lorraine Sanchez, Arlene Montoya (Gustavo Ortiz); her sister Rose Vargas; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. 

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Bences Montoya, sons James and Michael, four brothers and three sisters.

Special thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice, especially Barbara, Brooklyn, Kim and Sonnie for all your loving care.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral Mass was celebrated in Bernice’s honor at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Committal, Valley View Memorial Park.