Cristina "Irene" Sandoval, 80, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Born August 16, 1945, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Alfonso and Dora Sandoval, she was the eldest of 12 children.

Irene spent her early childhood in Terramonte, NM, before her family moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico, when she was five years old. Because of her father's work with the steel mill and Union Pacific Railroad, the family also lived in Colorado and Wyoming during her school years before eventually returning to Las Vegas, where she attended West Las Vegas Schools.

In her early adulthood, Irene married Anthony "Tony" R. Montoya. Together they moved to San Francisco in 1963, where she devoted herself to raising their three sons and began her professional career as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell. She later earned a Medical Assistant certificate and worked for an internal medicine surgeon. She was deeply committed to her children's education and proudly served as Vice President of the PTA at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

After raising her children, Irene returned to Las Vegas, New Mexico, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. She briefly returned to San Francisco as an associate clinical medical social worker in the ER at San Francisco General Hospital before resuming her career in Las Vegas at the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute. There she served as case manager, supervisor, and mental health therapist until her retirement in 2008. Irene also served on the Board of Directors for the People of Color AIDS Foundation, reflecting her lifelong commitment to advocacy and care.

Beyond her professional life, Irene loved art, culture, and nature. She enjoyed museums, operas, plays, and the outdoors, always proud of her New Mexican roots and heritage. An avid reader and lifelong learner, she maintained an extensive home library and was a mentor and listening ear to many. Above all, she cherished family and dear friends, staying connected with loved ones near and far.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso and Dora Sandoval, and her sons, Anthony Dwayne Montoya and Valiente K. Montoya.

She is survived by her Beloved son: Christopher Montoya & wife Christine

Grandchildren: Athena Montoya-Herrera & husband Victor, Valiente Montoya & wife Bianca, Santiago Montoya, Antonio Montoya, Angelina Montoya, and Krista Cavestany.

Great-grandchildren: Talan, Daniel, Valiente Jr., Cristiano, Tristan, Alayah, and Santino.

She is also survived by her siblings Alfonso Sandoval (Mary Ida), Maria "Katie" Sandoval, Ernesto Sandoval (Theresa C.), Johnny Sandoval (Joanne), Ralph Sandoval, Teresa Sandoval, Charlie Sandoval (Elizabeth), Raymond Sandoval, Rita Valdez (Paul), Julian Sandoval, and Paul Sandoval (Jessica), as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family whom she cherished.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Mass and Burial on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

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