Anna Marie Tetens

1941 - 2021

The beautiful and talented Anna Marie Montoya Tetens joined the heavenly angel choir on Friday, September 24, 2021 after an 8-year battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Anna Marie was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico on August 25th, 1941 to Arthur and Marie Montoya. As a child, Anna Marie's talent for music was discovered thus igniting her lifelong passion to share her gift. She sang in her church choir and was involved in any singing role she could while in high school which led to a scholarship opportunity at Denver University. Anna majored in early childhood education and music at DU and later received her master's degree from University of Houston.

While attending DU she married Richard Tetens, whom she had met while he was working for the Santa Fe railroad in Las Vegas, NM two years prior. Anna and Richard moved back to Richard's home state of Texas and settled down in the Houston area to begin their family. They built their forever home in Pearland, Texas and quickly became involved in the community.

Anna was the choir and preschool director at First Presbyterian Church of Pearland for decades. She went back to public school teaching once her children were raised; completing her career at Shadycrest Elementary as a third-grade teacher. She also taught piano lessons and played for the solo and ensemble competitions at the junior high and high school level. Anna performed at local city events, often singing the National Anthem and was known in Pearland to have a voice of an angel.

As talented as Anna was at singing, playing the piano, and performing, her greatest talent was being a mom. She sewed dozens of dance costumes, dresses, and outfits for her three daughters, led girl scout troops, cheered on basketball games, adoringly sat in the stands as a cheerleader mom, and always said "yes" to whatever her daughters needed.

Grandmother or "Oma" as the grandchildren call her, was another role she mastered. She enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren at the family ranches in Texas and New Mexico. The teacher in Anna was always present. She loved like a teacher, was strict as a good teacher should be, and could give you a look that would immediately put you in place.

Anna Marie is survived by her mother, Marie Montoya; sister, Priscila Akers; daughter, Diane Malloy and husband Doug Malloy; grandson Carson Malloy and granddaughter Alexis Malloy; daughter Janet Romberg; grandsons Zachary, Wyatt, and Sawyer Romberg, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Richard Tetens; daughter, Anita Tetens; and father, Arthur Montoya.

The service celebrating Anna's life will be held at 11 o'clock in the morning, Saturday, October 30th at the First Presbyterian Church of Pearland.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the national Alzheimer's organization (alz.org).