General Information
Full Name: Awilda Montañez
Date of Death: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Awilda Montanez, age 70, of Hackensack, formerly of Paterson, New Jersey, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Diabetes on October 1, 2025.
She was born on April 10, 1955, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, to the late Victor and Aurora Montanez. A devoted sister, aunt, and friend, Awilda lived a life rooted in love, family, and care.
Awilda was a professional babysitter and lifelong caregiver. She helped raise many of her younger siblings and later cared for their children, along with the children of close family and friends. Her nurturing nature and deep sense of responsibility touched generations and left a legacy that will be remembered with love and gratitude.
She will also be fondly remembered for her passion for music and dancing — she never missed a chance to move to a good rhythm, bringing joy and energy to every gathering. A dedicated fan of thriller and horror films, Awilda proudly maintained an extensive collection of scary movie DVDs, which she often enjoyed with those closest to her. She was also the biggest fan of Little House on the Prairie, The Cosby Show, and Good Times. She wasn’t herself if she didn’t watch them daily.
Awilda is survived by her loving siblings: Victor Montanez and his wife Hilda Montanez, Wilfredo Montanez, Leticia Sanchez, Nelson Montanez and his wife Christine Montanez, Gisela Aultmon, Gamalier Montanez and his wife Yeni Montanez, Samuel Montanez; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Beatrize De Jesus, and her parents, Victor and Aurora Montanez.
Funeral services for Awilda will be held at:
Louis Suburban Chapel
13-01 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ
Her celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM.
Following the service, at 1:00pm the family will proceed to:
Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery
22-21 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ
where Awilda will be laid to rest.
Awilda’s joyful spirit, kind heart, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Service Information
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
11:00 AM
Service At:
Louis Suburban Chapel
13-01 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Burial to Follow At:
Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery
22-21 Maple Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Awilda, Thank you for being my Saturday morning, Diner partner. My tv buddy, as we watched your favorite shows, Cosby, Little House on the Prairie, and Good Times. Jess told me you watch good times everyday because the mom on the show looked like our mom. That is so true. Thank you for being a great big sister, and for babysitting all my children.
You were so strong throughout your fight against diabetes and kidney disease. I don’t think I could have been half as brave as you were. You were definitely a Wonder Woman, and a Hero! As much as it hurt to say good bye to you. It is comforting to know that you are now pain free and at peace. Say hello to mom and dad and Betty, and please give Elliot a big hug from me. Also, tell Callie that I think of her often. Miss you and love you my big little sister.
Awilda you will never be forgotten . I never met an aunt who gave all her nieces and nephews Christmas gifts faithful and when my kids grew up my two grandaughters Ava and Mia took their place I am thankful to have been part of your life and help care for you in time of need. Your heart was full of love for everyone. Rest in peace knowing you will always be in our hearts.
Awilda has al ways been and will always be in my heart. She was indeed such a loving auntie to my daughter(her niece) She took care of her from the time she was born. I always came home to find my daughter bathed, fed and always the cutest hairdos.
We all know how Awilda took such good care of her hairdos. Bless her heart 🙏🏽❤️
My condolences to the entire family.
Wish I could be there but I’m currently in P.R.
R.I.P. my sweet friend 🙏🏽
Awilda you were an angel sent from above and I would not be where I am without you taking care of me. Of all the children you watched over, as we grew up you still took care of us. You always remembered birthdays and holidays and continued to show you cared. You will be missed.
Awilda. Thank You for being you. For always taking care of us as kids. For all the great food you made us and all the smiles you put on our faces. I will always reemember you as the 1st one to get up to dance at a party. Getting up excited and letting everyone know, “OH THATS MY SONG!” You always rememeberer all of your nieces and nephews come Christmas time even as we got older. And i commend you for that BECAUSE THERE ARE ALOT OF US. You didnt have to but you did it because you wanted to out of love. Im glad to know youre no longer in pain and Im glad I got to feed you that day like you fed me many times when I was young the least I could do is try to give back. Youre the only one that could get away with calling me “Manny” and I wouldnt even get upset about it because its you. Say Hi to everyone upstairs in Heaven for me. Love You always Bebe.
Awilda. Thank You for being you. For always taking care of us as kids. For all the great food you made us and all the smiles you put on our faces. I will always remember you as the 1st one to get up to dance at a party. Getting up excited and letting everyone know, “OH THATS MY SONG!” You always rememebered all of your nieces and nephews come Christmas time even as we got older. And i commend you for that BECAUSE THERE ARE ALOT OF US. You didnt have to but you did it because you wanted to out of love. I’m glad to know you’re no longer in pain and I”m glad that I was able to feed you that day like you fed me many times when I was young the least I could do is try to give back. You’re the only one that could get away with calling me “Manny” and I wouldnt even get upset about it because it’s you. Say Hi to everyone upstairs in Heaven for me. Love You always Bebe.
Awilda,
I am still processing that you are gone. I will miss you beyond words. You are in almost all of my memories and a pillar in so many milestones. From introducing me to horror movies as a child, playing card games together or solving times tables for fun. You would style my hair every day and knew that my favorite style was half up / half down. You also made the best pancakes!! Elliot and I always said that they have to be made with the “golden ring ” to be right . You loved doing puzzles and DANCING and SINGING. I will never forget you singing I Will Survive or you dancing in the living room and every party.
I am so thankful to have had you in my life for so many years. Having you in my wedding was a goal of mine since childhood and I am so happy you were to be Monica and My flower bridesmaid. A core memory for life . Along with your smile that would light up a room. We will never forget that beautiful smile and your love for family .
Thank you for being you. We will love and miss you always .
Love Jessenia