Rebecca Cynthia Montoya

Rebecca Cynthia Montoya, 77, of Simi Valley, CA, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024. Born on October 13, 1947, in Los Angeles, CA, Rebecca dedicated her life to her family, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.

Rebecca served as a quality control supervisor in the electronics industry for 25 years. After her career in electronics, she worked for United Cerebral Palsy, where she became a passionate caregiver and advocate for individuals with cerebral palsy. She then dedicated herself to caring for the elderly, making a significant difference in the lives of those she served. Yet, her greatest achievement was her unwavering commitment to her family, which she cherished above all else. She was a devoted mother to her oldest daughter, Rebecca, followed by her daughter, Cecelia, who faced the challenges of cerebral palsy, as well as to her son, Alex. Her love extended to her grandson, Ryan, who has autism with significant support needs, and her granddaughter, Bri, all of whom she supported with unwavering dedication.

Known for her vibrant and fun-loving nature, Rebecca's infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around her. She was the life of the party, enjoying dancing and celebrating with friends and family. With a heart of gold, she loved to give and serve those around her, embodying the spirit of generosity in all aspects of her life.

In her early years, Rebecca and her husband, Alex, shared a passion for music as members of a lively band. She captivated audiences on the piano while adding her unique flair with percussion, delighting everyone with her tambourine and maracas. Their performances at California State University, Los Angeles, dive bars, and charity events at rehab centers created memories that echoed with joy and laughter. Beyond her musical talents, Rebecca had a deep love for the arts, expressing herself through her beautiful drawings and paintings that reflected her creative spirit.

She is survived by her three children: Rebecca Baumgartner- (Greg) Gellinck, Cecelia Dimitrijevich, and Alex Montoya; her grandchildren: Ryan Baumgartner, Bri (Tom) Beard, Kelliann (Mandy) Bonner, and Tyler (Kacie) Gellinck; and her two great-grandchildren: Riley Rose and Elliot. She is also remembered by her other family members: Alex Dimitrijevich, Jennifer Dimitrijevich, Corina Trujillo, Julie Keller, and Frank Trujillo. She was predeceased by her mother and step-father, Josephine Harner Trujillo and Manuel Trujillo, and two older brothers, Daniel Harner and Rudy Trujillo.

A celebration of life will be held on February 15, 2025, at 11 AM at Reardon Funeral Home in Simi Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Rebecca by embracing her legacy of giving and kindness. The family requests donations to be made to Life Church, Cornerstone Church, and the Samaritan Center.

Rebecca, affectionately known as ‘Nana’, by everyone, will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In her memory, we hope to carry forward her legacy of love, resilience, and carefree spirit, aspiring to embrace life as she did—with grace and laughter.