Obituary

Tiffany Holly Montgomery, age 52 of El Mirage, AZ died June 22, 2019. She was born July 24, 1966 in Altoona, PA to Thomas G. Montgomery, Jr. and Mara G. (Chittester) Daffron. In 1984 she graduated from Kings Park High School in Kings Park on Long Island, NY. She attended Penn State University where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education. She worked as a guidance counselor and as a counselor in private practice in Altoona, PA.

Tiffany was an avid do-it-yourselfer. She could fix anything and make anything. Every Halloween she made elaborate costumes from scratch for her daughter, Ezri. Her gifts were always thoughtfully customized to maximize the recipient’s enjoyment. She continually looked for ways that her personal touch could lift and bless another’s life.

Tiffany knew how to live every moment of her life! She had a beautiful smile and a charming sense of humor. She was always able to see the funny side of life. She loved to share her wit even in the most difficult of times. Seeing others smile brought her great joy. Tiffany was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Her courage to fight the disease intensified when she found that she was also pregnant with her daughter, Ezri who was born in 2005. When she learned that the disease had metastasized to her bones she fought with extra fervor. Her bravery and determination increased the original time given her of six months by another eight years. She used every second of that time to lift others and make memories with her family.

Tiffany’s days were often spent with the ordinary aspects of life that become so extraordinary when they are gone. She called her parents daily, spoke with and listened to her friends, and loved and cared for Ezri. In the midst of everyday moments she opened her home to a woman who was also battling cancer and had no place to live. Her big heart allowed her friend to live in dignity until she passed away. She also took extra care to make memories with her mother and daughter. She enjoyed a Caribbean cruise with her mother, Ezri, and a niece, Mara Rose. She celebrated with pronounced joy her mother’s special birthdays. She recognized that every moment was a gift that she could give her family.

When the time came for her friends and family to help Tiffany in her battle, they quickly rallied around her with open arms and open hearts.   The many monetary donations as well as gifts of time, strength, and service that have been extended to her and her family touched her heart greatly and eased the final trials of her life! Tiffany was blessed to see the love she had shared with so many returned to her when she needed it most! Though her body has surrendered to the cancer, her love will forever surround her family and friends.

Tiffany is survived by her beautiful daughter, Ezri Montgomery-Rhoades; former partner and father of her child, Duane L. Rhoades; mother, Mara G. (Chittester) Daffron and step-father Thomas A. of Litchfield Park, AZ; father, Thomas G. Montgomery, Jr. of Duncansville, PA; sister, Lisa R. Daffron (Eric); brothers, Thomas C. Daffron (Launi), Christopher J. Daffron, Thomas Kelly Montgomery; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by a sister, Bryn M. Daffron, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 4:45 – 6:00 pm, Sunday July 21, 2019, at Bell Road Church, 3427 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to The Singletons, 13832 N. 32^nd Street, 134-B, Phoenix, AZ 85032 (480)818-5285; www.thesingletonsAZ.org, 501(C) 3 tax id: 35-2280372 or Reclaim Church, 21200 N. 83^rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382; www.reclaimchurch.com.