Louise Pelton Montague, 92, died peacefully surrounded by family members on May 12, 2025, at Linda Manor in Leeds, Massachusetts. Born in Northampton MA in 1932, she was the daughter of Alden Pelton and Gladys Pelton Parent. She was a 1950 graduate of Northampton High School and took a post-graduate year at The Northampton School for Girls. She studied at the University of Massachusetts until her employment at Northampton National Bank which ended when she was married.
She is survived by Sidney A Montague, her husband of 71 years. Louise and Sidney settled in Westhampton, Massachusetts where she was an active member of both the Westhampton and the Northampton communities. She served on the Hampshire Regional School Committee. She was the librarian at the Westhampton Public Library for eleven years and continued to volunteer there following her retirement. She sang alto in the choir at the Westhampton Congregational Church and served as a Deaconess. In her later years she attended Edwards Church where she was a lifetime member and served as Clerk. She volunteered at The Cooley Dickinson Hospital for many years.
Small in stature, but strong in spirit, she lived a full and active life despite her lifelong struggle with Crohn’s Disease and later with Dementia. She travelled with Sid to Bermuda and Scotland and to several states in the U.S. Her weekly schedule was filled with volunteering, mastering modern technology, playing Bridge, taking oil painting lessons, tracing family genealogy, gardening, and adventuring with The Red Hat ladies. She was a member of the Worthington Country Club. She achieved the ultimate golfing goal: a hole in one at East Mountain. Louise collected pineapples, a symbol of warmth, friendship, and generosity, which reflected her values. She treasured her family and friendships. She enjoyed socializing and travelling with her friends and welcomed all to her home. Lou’s favorite place was Willoughby Lake in Westmore, Vermont. She shared this beautiful area with friends and family for almost eighty years. Every summer she looked forward to visiting the second community she had developed there. Never one to slow down, she bought herself a new kayak at the age of seventy and enjoyed paddling around the lake. Louise had felt lonely as an only child and planned to have a big family. She and Sid had five children who provided her with built-in game players: she loved playing cards and board games.
She leaves behind her children: Kim Montague (Joe Gazillo), Jill Montague, Robin Montague (Susan Wilder), Todd Montague (Lani Montague), Troy Montague, and Star Montague (her beloved miniature schnauzer).
She leaves behind her grandchildren: Chelsea Gazillo, Julia Gazillo (Daryl Barone), Alden Montague, Rose Montague, and her honorary grandchildren Brianna London (Charles Greb), Jenna London (Ben Rubin), and Gabrielle Wilder. She also leaves behind cousins and nieces and nephews.
Louise was able to live in her home for most of her life thanks to the care of her husband and children. She spent the last year of her life in the Life Enrichment Program at Linda Manor, and we thank the staff there for the care she received from them.
Calling hours for Lousie will be held at Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Tuesday May 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Edwards Church, 297 Main St. Northampton at 11:30 A.M. Burial in Westhampton Center Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Friends of the Westhampton Public Library, 1 North Rd., Westhampton, MA. 01027 or The Edwards Church, 279 Main St., Northampton, MA. 01060