Letitia F. Montes, 80, passed away at her Lancaster, PA, residence on Monday, May 13, 2024, with her loving husband John L. Montes by her side. Tish and John met at a dance, dated for 7 years, and celebrated 57 years of marriage on August 13th.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Buffone) Chiodo.

She graduated from Jersey City State College and earned her master's degree in special education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Tish continued working toward a doctorate at Paterson University. She was an Elementary reading teacher for 25 years, first in Jersey City and then for Waldwick Board of Education.

Tish and John lived in Oakland, NJ, and Wyckoff, NJ, before moving to Lancaster 10 years ago. A devout Catholic, over the years she worshipped Parishes in Hawthorne, NJ, Atlantic City, NJ, and Lancaster, PA.

She had the most beautiful personality and pleasant smile, and always warmed the room. She was very loving and always made John feel good regardless of her concerns. She showed the same care and love to her students, neighbors, and friends.

Tish and John enjoyed travelling to the West Coast, especially California, and Hawaii. When they lived in Southern, NJ, she enjoyed visiting Trump Marina Casino to play the card machines. Tish was a unique home decorator.

An accomplished cook and baker, her signature dishes were lasagna, stuffed shells, and Italian meat sauces. Tish enjoyed visiting Amish country to savor the pies and other baked goods.

In addition to her husband John, Tish is survived by her sister Regina Wolf, wife of David of New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her sister Joann Wilson, wife of James, her brother Francis Chiodo, and her beloved Aunt Angie Orlando.

A Wake will take place Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 1 to 4 pm and on Monday, May 20, 2024, beginning at 8:30 am at Browning-Forshay Funeral Home, 557 Lafayette Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9:30 am at St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, 276 Diamond Bridge Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07056. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Paterson, NJ.