Monica Lynn "Jaramillo" Montaño

Monica Lynn Montano (Jaramillo)
1978-2026
Monica Lynn Montano was born July 11, 1978, to Gilbert and Vicky Montano. Monica was raised in Belen and Los Lunas.
She graduated from Belen High School in 1996. She attended UNM Valencia Campus and graduated with an associate degree.
Monica's true calling seemed to be with "All Creatures Great & Small," however; she became a dog trainer and was very talented in that profession. She married one time (hence the "Jaramillo" name), but the marriage ended and there were no children.
For Valentine's week 2026, Monica's boyfriend/fiancé took her to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a nice vacation and whale watching. On Valentine's Day, she experienced a severe brain stem stroke at brunch. She was finally flown by air ambulance to San Diego, Calif., and admitted to an ICU. She was diagnosed with Locked-In Syndrome, which is similar to a vegetative state, except that she was cognitive and could hear and process everything going on around her.
Monica had a DNR in place and had made it clear on previous occasions that she would never want to be kept alive by artificial means. Her prognosis was a situation "worse than death," per her neurologist. The excruciatingly painful decision was made to abide by her wishes and let her go. Life support was removed on Feb. 26.
Monica passed away on March 3 at 47 years of age. She was such a kind, loving woman, full of life, empathy and she had a sincere respect for and devotion to God and Jesus. She is now without pain and in peace.
Monica Lynn is survived by her father, Gilbert Montano (wife, Rosie) of Belen; mother, Vicky Davis, of Belen; boyfriend/fiancé, Eloy Martinez, of Ojo Sarco, N.M.; and her precious kitty, who has now been rehomed with a wonderful couple.
Although not yet related by marriage, the Martinez family in Ojo Sarco had become like family to her. Monica truly loved Eloy's family and used to make homemade tortillas for Eloy's father, Levi Martinez.
Monica had many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She would be overwhelmed if she only knew how many friends she truly had. She was more loved than she probably ever dreamed she could be.
Because Monica was able to hear, friends and family who wished were able to express their love to her directly via a cell phone put up to her ear in her final days. Hopefully, that brought her comfort and peace.
There will be a memorial service in honor of Monica. Cremation is taking place this week in San Diego, Calif.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11, at Noblin Funeral Home Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., Belen.