Clarissa Hedges Montz

1928 - 2025

Clarissa Hedges Montz

December 30, 1928 - November 17, 2025

Miami, Florida - Clarissa Hedges Montz, 96, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 17, 2025. A native of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Clarissa lived a long, meaningful, and pioneering life defined by curiosity, service, and an unwavering love for people. The daughter of Edison Hedges, a judge and state congressman from New Jersey, she was instilled with a home life filled with joy, music, education, and world travel.

In a day when few women could attend college, Clarissa was a student at Barnard College earning her degree from Columbia University, where she majored in English Literature. Some of her fondest college memories were studying in Geneva, Switzerland, where she mastered speaking in French and embraced European culture and the fine arts before returning to New York City. After graduation, Clarissa embarked on a remarkable early musical career, joining the road tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! - a joyful adventure that reflected her lifelong love of music and performance, where she was fondly nicknamed Chris by her fellow Broadway cast members and friends.

Clarissa was married for 51 years to her loving and devoted husband, Captain Edwin Lucas Montz. Clarissa settled in Miami, Florida where she raised her family and also became a progressive force in education during a time when few women pursued professional careers. She dedicated many years to the Dade County Public Schools, teaching at Pinecrest Elementary and inspiring generations of students with patience, warmth, and conviction.

Her faith was an anchor throughout her life. At Kendall United Methodist Church, Clarissa was an active and beloved member, singing in the choir and playing violin in the orchestra. Her musical gifts and generous spirit enriched the congregation for decades.

Clarissa, a proud and documented descendant of John Howland of the Mayflower and King Henry II of England, is survived by her two children, Craig and Linda; five grandchildren, Justin, Joey, Jacquelyn, Sophie, and Danielle; and her great-grandson, Gabriel. She was deeply cherished by her family, friends, fellow educators, and church community.

Loved by all who had the privilege to know her, Clarissa will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for her kindness, strength, relentless passion for life, and enduring joy.