Maria Lidia Montanez

In Loving Memory of Maria Lidia Montañez (Sarmiento)

Maria Lidia Montañez, née Sarmiento, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on June 28, 1942, in Durango, Mexico. For more than 50 years, El Paso, Texas, was her cherished home before she spent the final five years of her life in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, surrounded by family.

Maria devoted 33 years of her life as a loving wife and homemaker. Although her marriage ended in divorce in 1999, she remained steadfast in her greatest calling—being a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith.

She is survived by her beloved children: Jaime Sarmiento, Carlos Montañez, Tony Montañez, Rosemary Mestas, and Angelica Maria Montañez.

She was the proud grandmother of Nico Sarmiento, Jessie Ray Sarmiento, Cody Lee Sarmiento, Vinson Minas, Ivan Montañez, Ethan Montañez, Mandi Montañez, Araceli Mestas, Andrew Mestas, Alexis “Lexi” Mestas, and Adriana “AJ” Mestas. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Jayla Sarmiento, Giovanni Sarmiento, Romeo Xavier Sarmiento, and Andres Ruben Mestas.

She is also lovingly remembered by her daughters-in-law Mary Sarmiento, Tammy Sarmiento, Eileen Montañez, and Cynthia Montañez.

Maria was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Sylvia Christina Montañez, her son Jerry Sarmiento, her grandson Justin Charles Sarmiento, and her son-in-law John Paul Mestas.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Maria’s relationship with God guided every aspect of her life. She found joy in reading the Bible, praying daily, and serving others with humility and compassion. For 15 years, she faithfully volunteered at Corpus Christi Church, where she cleaned the church, prepared meals for those in need, helped organize and cook for parish bazaars, and lovingly cared for the nuns by bringing them food, medicine, and other necessities. She never sought recognition—she simply believed that serving others was one of the greatest ways to serve God.

Maria had many gifts, but perhaps her greatest was caring for those she loved. She lovingly crocheted blankets for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sewed clothing for her children, and filled her home with the comforting aromas of homemade meals and baked goods. Her biscochos became a treasured family tradition that no one could quite replicate. Every meal she prepared was made with love, and everyone who sat at her table left feeling like family.

Those who knew Maria will remember her generous heart, gentle spirit, and joyful laugh. She had an incredible ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, often placing others before herself without hesitation.

Maria was not a perfect woman, but she believed that growth was part of faith. She worked every day to become a better person, striving to live with grace, humility, forgiveness, and love. She loved deeply, and she lived just as fully. Above all else, she loved her children with all her heart and wished for them to remain united, to care for one another, and to always choose love.

Though she will be profoundly missed, her family finds comfort knowing that her legacy lives on through the faith she shared, the kindness she showed, the traditions she created, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Her life was a beautiful example of compassion, perseverance, and devotion to God and family.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

May she rest in the eternal peace of our Lord until the day her family is reunited with her again.A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Rosary starting at 7:00 PM on Monday, August 3, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home- Americas, 9521 North Loop Dr., El Paso, TX 79907. A Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9205 North Loop Dr., El Paso, TX 79907. A Graveside will follow at 11:15 AM at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, TX 79907. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home- Americas.