Kathleen Montavon

August 1, 1943 – January 2, 2025

Kathleen Jean (Santelli) Montavon passed away at Sierra View Senior Living in Grass Valley, California on January 2, 2025. She was 81.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday March 18, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grass Valley. Father Estrella will be officiating.

Kathy was born on August 1, 1943 in Eureka, California to parents Raffaele "Ralph" and Aquila "Oakley" Santelli. The family moved to Grass Valley when Kathy was a child, where she attended Mt. St. Mary's Academy. At Mt. St. Mary's, Kathy made lifelong friendships and was inspired by the nuns to pursue a career in teaching. She graduated from Mt. St. Mary's in 1961. She went on to graduate from Marylhurst College in Marylhurst, Oregon in 1965 and later completed graduate work at Sacramento State University. After graduating from Marylhurst, Kathy began a career as an elementary school teacher in various schools in Citrus Heights and Grass Valley.

Kathy met the love of her life, Illinois native Leo Montavon, in July 1975 while traveling in Eastern Europe with friends. They were married on June 24, 1978. Leo moved to Grass Valley, where the couple operated a travel agency, the Travel Place, until 1989. Over the years, Kathy and Leo visited and experienced the culture and diversity of many foreign countries, traveling everywhere from Syria, to Egypt, to Australia.

Kathy loved her family, friends, and faith. She was a life-long member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Oakley Santelli, and husband Leo. She is survived by her brother James of Arlington, VA and multiple nieces and nephews including Beth and Lori Santelli of Arlington, Virginia, Stephen Santelli of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and Anthony Santelli of Alexandria, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mt. St. Mary's Academy, 400 S Church St. Grass Valley, CA 95945.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Union on Feb. 26, 2025.

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