Clara Ines Montanez

Clara Ines Mendoza was born in Sogamoso, Colombia, SA, on June 23, 1937.  She is the oldest of 10 children to Hector Mendoza and Guillermina Rodriguez de Mendoza. 

Clarita, as she wanted to be known, married her high school sweet heart, Dr. Ciro Alberto Montanez, M D, on August 27, 1958. They had four children – Clara Ines, Maria Teresa, Juan Manuel and Maria Cristina. 

The family left Colombia in 1969 to start a new life in the United States.  They first landed in Miami, Florida and left shortly after to Vicksburg, Mississippi.  In Khun Memorial Hospital, Clarita worked as a laboratory technician.  They stayed two years and moved to Long Branch, New Jersey. After a year, they made their final move to Maryland where they started their American Dream.  First arriving to Cheverly then settling in Mitchellville where they have resided for over 40 years.  In Maryland, Clarita became the office manager of the family practice run by Dr. Ciro A. Montanez, MD.

One of Clarita’s many passions was constantly listening to WGMS and WETA hosted by Carl Haas and Linda Carducci.  The radio was always tuned to WGMS and WETA in all of the cars and throughout the house.  Music was always playing in the house. This fascination with classical music helped the children develop an ear for classical and operatic music. 

Clarita’s biggest passion, hobby and pastime was entertaining family and friends with her large repertoire of Colombian and classical music on the piano. Her talents for the piano started when she commenced taking lessons at the age of 4.  She never stopped practicing and performing even up to the end. Clarita was the official pianist in her elementary and high school in Chia, Colombia. When on vacation, she would accompany her father as he played on the violin and have impromptu concerts. She passed on this passion for music to her friends and family which will always be a gift that can never be taken away.

Clarita would go out of her way to talk to everyone, no matter their race, gender, religion and economic status. This included the cashiers in her favorite grocery store, waiters, patients in the family practice to Colombian presidents and other diplomatic dignitaries.  She made everyone feel important and equal as they conversed. She was never judgmental. 

Clarita possessed a unique sense of humor and quick wit.  She became known as the Lucile Ball of Colombia and Ciro her Ricky.  Her antics kept everyone in stitches and in awe of this one of a kind God-given talent. 

Clara Ines was predeceased by her parents Hector and Guillermina Mendoza, and her 2 brothers, Fernando and Mauricio.  Clarita is survived by her loving children, Clara Ines, Maria Teresa, Juan Manuel and Maria Cristina.  Also, Matthew Bernstein, loving son-in-law, Snigdha Patel, loving daughter-in-law and loving grandchildren Julia and Sophia Haney, Fernando and Oscar Pimienta, Stephanie Montanez and Dr. Jigesh Patel. She leaves an extended family around the world.