Aida E. Montijo

Aida E. Montijo ObituaryOn October 14th, 2024, our beloved Aida Montijo held God's hand as she transitioned into Heaven. She is welcomed to the afterlife by her loving parents, Herminia and Otto Muzikar; her first born son, Kirk Montijo; and her husband of many years, Augusto Montijo.
Aida was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and spent her early years on her grandparent's farm. More specifically, she spent those years climbing high on top of their trees to absorb the views and daydream about the world outside of her small town.
Much to her satisfaction, Aida moved to Chicago, Illinois with her mother when she was around 10 years old for a chance at a better life. She quickly learned that the world she dreamt about wasn't as kind as she thought, and being brown was something of shame, as opposed to the pride she was used to.
Aida, as strong and adaptive as she is, fought mentally and physically for her place in this new city and had much success in doing so. Every time she overcame their prejudices, she was fighting for immigrants, women, single parents, only children and poor families who wouldn't otherwise have a voice.
That strength carried her through all of her achievements. Her first real job at Marshall Field's allowed her to learn a different side of people. She loved this job immediately–she felt she made a difference with every new wardrobe she helped clients choose. She enjoyed the immediate satisfaction of watching their faces glow (and the added perk of working with high-end name brands). This experience would eventually lead to her career in the Chicago Public School systems where she would retire from decades of dedicated service.
During her time at CPS, she achieved her goals of helping others by climbing ladders and wearing many hats. She was an administrator, a translator, a spokesperson, a campaign manager, a teacher, and a trusted confidant and friend to many principals and staff alike.
Her greatest achievement, by her own admission, was her family. She married her husband young, settled down in Albany Park, and created a beautiful family of 3 children, 9 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as 8 bonus children from Augie's previous marriages.
During (and prior to) her retirement, she spent every opportunity with her family- specifically her grandkids, often boasting proudly about their accomplishments to anyone willing to listen, and taking candid pictures of moments she would cherish fondly.
She enjoyed being present for her family's biggest milestones, but particularly loved the small moments. The times where everyone was together, telling the same outrageous stories for the 100th time, and laughing until their stomachs hurt.
Aida was an exceptional human and will be missed beyond measure, but her most special qualities will always live through us. Her generosity, gumption, strength, and unconditional love were deeply instilled into our hearts, and will continue to be our guide.
She is survived by her children, Kevin Montijo (Bridgitt Montijo), Kenneth Montijo (Alia Montijo) and daughter-in-law Patricia Montijo; her grandchildren, Kristen (Nicholas Gentile), Cheyenne, Kyle, Kirk, Kendall, Alyssa, Ariana, Carmelo and Constantine Montijo; and her great-grandchild, Daemon Montijo.
Visitation will be held Monday October 21st from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Funeral Services Tuesday October 22nd, 10:00 AM from TOHLE FUNERAL HOME 4325 W. Lawrence Ave. to ST. EDWARD CHURCH 4350 W. Sunnyside Ave., Mass 10:30 AM. Interment following Mass at Bohemian National Cemetery 5255 N. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL. Information available at 773-685-4400 or tohlefuneralhome.com
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On October 14th, 2024, our beloved Aida Montijo held God's hand as she transitioned into Heaven. She is welcomed to the afterlife by her loving parents, Herminia and Otto Muzikar; her first born son, Kirk Montijo; and her husband of many years, Augusto Montijo.
Aida was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and spent her early years on