Mary Meza

Mary Grace Meza (Altagracia Martinez), 101, passed away surrounded by her family, August 7, 2019. She was born April 16, 1918 in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico to Valentin and Gregoria Martinez. She traveled with her mother and stepfather (Jose Meza) to America in 1923, to pursue the “American Dream”. Life was hard for migrant workers and even though she officially had a fifth-grade education, she loved to read. One would often find her sitting at her kitchen table, newspaper in hand discussing current events and politics. After migrant work, she worked as a daycare attendant at Neighborhood House and later at the Billings Public Library. Some of her favorite hobbies were sewing and crocheting. During her free time, she loved to listen to music and watch telenovela's. There are countless stories of her acts of kindness to neighbors and friends, but children held a special place in her heart. She was known to feed neighborhood children and buy clothing for those kids in need. Her love for family was deep and to her, family was everything. As a single mother she raised ten children, seven of her own and three grandchildren. She is survived by her four daughters, Guadeloupe Meza, Isabel Thielman, Gloria (Kevin) Poore, Jaqueline Montoya and her son Tony (Nina) Montoya. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Richard Meza, Michelle (George) Littleboy, Tara (James) Demaniow, Paul Montoya, JoAnn (Dustin) Rhodes, Leona Holliday, Michael (Caitlyn) Montoya, Shirlon Moncrief, Elizabeth (Brandon) Eng, Douglas (Holly) Poore, Joseph Montoya, Daniel Montoya (Rachel Weitz), Angelena Montoya; her great-grandchildren, Raelicia (Derek) Maciel, Sean Cleveland, Rika Meza, William Bear Littleboy, James Demaniow, Nathaniel Montoya, Kaleigha Holliday, Keshia Lee Cox, Skye Moncrief, Samara Moncrief and twelve great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two daughters Julia E Meza and Josephine Meza. Special thanks to the staff and friends at Autumn Springs Assisted Living and the staff at Compassus Hospice. A Vigil will be held 6:00 pm Monday at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Mary Queen of Peace.