Marie Anello Montano

Marie Anello Montano, 95, of Roanoke, was received by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday, January 31, 2012. She was born in Harrison, N.J., February 4, 1916. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Philip Ernest Montano. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ann Anello, of Calabria, Italy; her daughter, Marianne McDowell, of Lynchburg; brothers, Henry, Robert and Ralph; and sister, Francis.
She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Montano, Michele Dowdy and husband, John; son, Philip Martin Montano; and son-in-law, Tom McDowell. Also surviving are grandchildren, Michele Bova Cruz and husband, Tom, Richard Alan Bova Jr. and wife, Dana, Lisa McDowell, Amy Lightner and husband, Bryan, Danielle Eavenson and husband, Webb, Josh Dowdy and wife, Wesley, Justin Dowdy and Jessica Dowdy. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, Jordan and Ty Cruz, of Ridgefield, Conn., Madysen Lightner, of Lynchburg, Micaiah and Caleb Eavenson, and Shepherd Dowdy; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Evan and Tori Collins, all of Roanoke. Other family members from New Jersey include a brother, Frank and wife, Theresa Anello; nephew, Frank Anello; nieces, Diane Kelly and husband, Bill, and their children Bill, Brian, and Patrick, Barb McHugh and husband, Kevin, and their children, Meghan and Caitlin, the late Patti Barney and husband, Jimmy Barney, and their children, Jim and Anne Marie, Bobby and Kim, Michael and Nicole Barney, and Maria and Doug Willett; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Marie was an outstanding math teacher for Roanoke City Schools for 16 years following several years of teaching in New Jersey. She also served at the Roanoke City Schools Central office in the math department. She served as president of the National Teachers Association In the 1960's. She was selected to provide instruction in the metric system for the Roanoke City School system, at Virginia Western Community College and led workshops in the metric system across the state of Virginia. She recently received a Certificate of Excellence from the Roanoke City Retired Educators.
She was a member of Saint Andrews Catholic Church where she served as president of the Young in Spirit and Parish Council.
Marie was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, well known for her kindness, compassion, wit and intellect and her outstanding culinary skills. She will be missed.
Special thanks goes to Dr. David Cummings for years of dedicated medical care and affection and to the Carilion nurses of Seven South, including Kim, April, Sherry, and Debra, who cared for Marie in her final hours. The family also appreciates the care and support of their Bridlewood neighbors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Andrews Catholic Church. A foundation will be established for a math scholarship award to be given to a deserving student.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in the Chapel at Saint Andrews Catholic Church. The Funeral Service will be held noon on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Saint Andrews Catholic Church, followed by interment at Saint Andrews Diocesan Cemetery. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.