Vanessa Contreraz
October 08, 1987 - August 07, 2023
Obituary
On August 7, 2023, Vanessa Jenny Contreraz was welcomed into eternal life. She was born in Billings, Montana on October 8, 1987. Vanessa graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 2006. She worked many years in early child care, and then went on a big adventure in Minneapolis, Minnesota to work in a law office. Upon returning to Billings, she enrolled at Montana State University Billings to continue her education.
As a proud member of her culture and faith, Vanessa was a life-long member of the Los Guadalupanos Mexican dance group, who danced annually at the Mexican Fiesta in the summer and for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December.
Vanessa loved the outdoors, particularly fishing, hunting, and camping. She adored her numerous nieces and nephews, and supported and loved them as if they were her own. Her love for family encompassed her large extended family as well, always remembering birthdates, anniversaries, and other details to the amazement of those others. When Vanessa loved someone, it was with all her heart; her attachments were strong, fierce, and lasting.
Prior to being welcomed into Our Lord's embrace, Vanessa achieved 30 days of sobriety, of which she was extremely proud.
Vanessa was preceded in death by her birth mother, Alice Contreraz Lone Elk, as well as her grandparents. She is survived by her parents Bill and Peggy Contreraz; and siblings Andy (Ashlie), Tom (Michelle), Martin (Melissa), Josie Luna, Amy Aguirre, Nick (Anne), and 20 nieces and nephews. She also has a sister Naticia Lone Elk and brother Elvis Lone Elk, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Her vigil will be Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 6:00 PM and her funeral mass will be on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM; both services will be at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church on 3411 3rd Avenue South in Billings, Montana. All are welcome to the reception following the funeral mass, to be held at the Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church lower hall.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.”