Visitation for Joyce Pena Montes Hackler, 87, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2014, at Laird Funeral Home with the rosary following at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church officiated by Monsignor James E. Young, the Rev. Joseph Lourdusamy and assisted by the Rev. Billy Mitchell. Burial will follow at Moral Cemetery. Joyce Montes Hackler of Nacogdoches passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. She was born on Dec. 17, 1926, in Nacogdoches to Vick and Lillian Pena. Joyce was born and raised in the Moral community of Nacogdoches. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School and Massey Business College. Upon completion of business college, she worked at Baxter Tire Company in Nacogdoches. After raising her four children, she was a bookkeeper for Al Dodge and her longest term of employment was at Memorial Hospital. After her retirement, she continued serving the hospital and her community as a volunteer. She married Gaston Montes, a World War II Army veteran who served in the Timberwolf Division and was a Purple Heart recipient. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage until his death in 1997. During their marriage, she was a devoted wife and mother of four children. In 2000, Joyce married Paul Hackler. Paul was a loving husband and caregiver. During their 14 years of marriage, they remained active and enjoyed camping, dancing, concerts, gardening and traveling. She and Paul spent many weekends watching football and basketball with their families. Because of Paul's devotion and love for Joyce and her family, he will always have a special place in their hearts and be forever cherished. Through the years she was very active in her community. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Moral) and belonged to the Ladies Alter Society. Through the Altar Society, she assisted with cleaning and preparing the church for Mass. The most cherished fundraiser was the annual tamale dinner, where she shared her culinary expertise with the younger generation. Joyce was a lifelong member of VFW Post 3893 Ladies Auxiliary. This is where she enjoyed many Saturday nights dancing the night away. She enjoyed attending VFW Conventions as well as Gaston's annual Timberwolf Reunions. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her first husband, Gaston Montes; daughter-in-law, Virginia Montes, wife of Eli; and sister, Annie Smith. She is survived by her husband, Paul Hackler; daughters, Gloria Montes and Joe Evans; and Dyann McMannus; sons, Bennett Montes and wife, Rhonda; Charles Montes and wife, Marsha; Eli Montes; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a special friend, Bill Conway, who always called her mom. Pallbearers will be Michael Montes, Mathew Montes, Frank Montes, Danny Rodrigues, Randy Rodrigues and Doug Cortines. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. A special thank you for the exceptional care provided by her loving husband, Paul; Bethany Home Health; and the emergency room staff at Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery Fund, 1422 County Road 724, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964; or the Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701. Laird Funeral Home.
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4 Entries
March 29, 2014
I am so sorry for you loss.Your mother was such a great lady,She will be missed by all who knew her.
Sharon Dominey
March 28, 2014
Debbie Vinson Kotara
Wonderful memories of Joyce...precious lady... Prayers going up for all the family.
March 28, 2014
Jean Montes
So very sorry to hear the sad news of your loss of your mom. She was such a sweet lady and a pleasure to be around at the Montes reunion.
She had a beautiful family and she will live in your hearts forever.
I am sorry I can't be there, I am in Kingwood. Will be thinking of you all. Gods blessings.
March 28, 2014
Cheryl Durant
I will forever have the fondest of memories for this special lady. She was very special to my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
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