Maria Teresa Montinola Fontaine, 64, fondly known by everyone as “Zsa Zsa” passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. True to form, she chose to go on her own terms and in her own time. She was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.

Zsa Zsa was born on September 2, 1959 in Iloilo City to Eduardo and Angeles Montinola. She is survived by her husband, Don, and was a doting mother to her children, Lleana and Arnold, Jay, and Pierre; and a loving grandmother to Arianna. She was dearly loved by her siblings, Marilen, Jo (+), Annie, Louie Boy, Maricar, Andotte, Jun and Nutsy. Family was very important to her.

A longtime resident of San Jose, CA, Zsa Zsa devoted most of her life caring for her home and family, especially her children. Her heart still belonged to her hometown of Iloilo City, however, and it was her most fervent wish to go back home and be buried alongside her mother. Her cremated remains will be brought back to Iloilo City some time in the next few months. Date and time to follow for the funeral service.

Zsa Zsa was a free spirit, she had an unconventional mind who did not really hold society’s norms in high regard. She always followed her own heart and boy, did she have the biggest and most open heart of all! She is the proverbial kind stranger who would literally take off her clothes and give them to someone in need even if it meant going home naked. Once, she saw a young adult in a fast-food joint who looked to her like someone needing a meal. She immediately approached the girl and asked her if she could buy her something. Turns out, the girl actually just finished her meal, and she was so touched by Zsa Zsa’s gesture, they ended up talking like they were best friends for the next half hour! This is a typical encounter with Zsa Zsa - within minutes, you will feel like you are talking to one of your closest friends. She had a unique gift of making you feel special and loved. She was selfless, generous to a fault, always positive, and she consistently found the good in everything and everyone. Zsa Zsa kept herself busy with her many house projects and some other crafty hobby. She loved working with her hands. Her most recent obsession was her diamond painting. She would choose a painting that would best suit somebody, spend hundreds of hours to make sure that it is perfect, and would give it to them as a gift. She always thought of herself last, had a sympathetic ear for anyone and everyone, and was a champion to the lost, the downtrodden and just about anyone who is down on their luck. She believed that everybody deserves a second chance. She showed us how we can all be compassionate, understanding and tolerant by how she lived her life. Hers was an absolutely beautiful soul.

Our hearts are broken by the thought that she is gone before she had the chance to do everything on her list, but we have to trust that this is how she wanted this chapter in her story to end. She was definitely one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. She left this world a better place and the legacy she has left us is all about love. 

Per her final wishes, there will be no viewing or memorial service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers and cards, memories and donations be shared at https://everloved.com/life-of…

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