The Rev. Cynthia R. Montague OBITUARY

The Rev. Cynthia R. Montague OBITUARY

The Reverend Cynthia Russell Montague of Salinas, California, died on the morning of December 28, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on July 18, 1953, to Homer and Lillian Montague, Cynthia grew up in Washington, DC. She attended The George Washington University before transferring to Brandeis University, where she graduated in 1975. She later attended Andover Newton Theological Seminary and earned her Master of Divinity degree in 1986.

Cynthia dedicated her early career to serving women and children in need. She was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 2002 and went on to serve for 17 years as Chaplain of the Monterey County Jail. After retiring from the jail in 2019, she continued her ministry as Deacon at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Corral de Tierra until her death.

Cynthia was a bookworm and scholar, happy to spend an evening discussing religion, politics, or the latest science fiction writing. She enjoyed terrible Christmas movies, spending time with her friends, and drinking a tremendous amount of tea. She took pride in her work, her children, and her wife, and was able to say she had spent her life walking with God in a successful pursuit of happiness.

A woman wholly and uniquely herself, Cynthia is survived by her wife of 52 years, Dr. Marilyn Westerkamp; her daughter Claire Westerkamp, who inherited her lifelong love of crossword puzzles and quiet afternoons reading; and, her son Hugh Westerkamp, who inherited her sense of service and open disposition. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Corral de Tierra. Additional details will be available on the church’s website. https://www.goodshepherdcorral.org/

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Church of the Good Shepherd or to Cynthia’s favorite charity, Red Tail Squadron.