Fernanda (Barneto) Montes

Fernanda Montes (nee Barneto) passed away in Calgary, Alberta on February 1, 2023, at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer. She lived a life in the cheerful service of her family, the students she served during her career with the Calgary Catholic School Board, and the community around her. Fernanda strove to live her Catholic faith daily and we pray she now will be received into the eternal joy of heaven.

Fernanda was born and raised in Pune, India.  She earned a university degree and worked as a teacher in India before getting married and then emigrating to Canada in 1982.  Once in Canada, she worked tirelessly to ensure her family was cared for and her children were given the very best opportunities.  She worked for 26 years at Bishop Carroll High School, and she also worked at St. Anne Academic Centre and St. Gabriel the Archangel School later in her career.  In her role as a career practitioner, she helped countless students to achieve their higher education and career goals. After retiring in 2015, she was able to spend more time doing things she loved: reading; cooking; volunteering; travelling; and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Brian Montes; her sons, Andrew (Alisha) Montes and Christopher (Anna) Montes; her grandchildren, Augustine, Ambrose, Gianna, Peter and Daniel; her siblings, Dean (Magdalene) Barneto and Sunita Misquitta; and many other relatives and friends who have prayed and walked with her on this earthly journey. Fernanda is predeceased by her parents, Anacleto and Terezinha Barneto, and her grandson, Isaac Montes.

A Prayer Service will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary) on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception.

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the outstanding doctors, nurses, and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Center and Dulcina Hospice. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to one of those organizations using the links below.