Maria C. Montalvo

WORCESTER – Maria C. (Cantres) Montalvo, 85, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, March 5, 2018. She was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Julio Cantres and Juana (Cardona) Cantres and came with her family to the United States in 1959.
Maria graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She was a civil rights investigator for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights for 37 years, retiring in 2008. She was also an early proponent of bilingual education in Massachusetts. After retiring, she worked with the Worcester Public Schools’ Special Education Program.
Maria was a hard working private person who was devoted to her family. She had an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that would light up a room. In her leisure, she was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards and watching scary movies with her grandchildren. Her visits with her great grandchildren gave her immense joy.
She is survived and sadly missed by her two sons, Ralph A. Montalvo and his wife, Cynthia and Luis E. Montalvo Sr. and his spouse, Brian Dukehart, both of Worcester; four grandchildren, Marc, Kirsi, Merin, and Luis Jr.; five great grandchildren; her brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Pedro F. Montalvo.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 17th in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A private committal service will be held in Puerto Rico at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.


WORCESTER – Maria C. (Cantres) Montalvo, 85, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, March 5, 2018. She was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Julio Cantres and Juana (Cardona) Cantres and came with her family to the United States in 1959. Maria graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She was a civil rights investigator for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights for 37 years, retiring in 2008. She was also an early proponent of bilingual education in Massachusetts. After retiring, she worked with the Worcester Public Schools’ Special Education Program. Maria was a hard working private person who was devoted to her family. She had an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that would light up a room. In her leisure, she was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards and watching scary movies with her grandchildren. Her visits with her great grandchildren gave her immense joy. She is survived and sadly missed by her two sons, Ralph A. Montalvo and his wife, Cynthia and Luis E. Montalvo Sr. and his spouse, Brian Dukehart, both of Worcester; four grandchildren, Marc, Kirsi, Merin, and Luis Jr.; five great grandchildren; her brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Pedro F. Montalvo.