Isabel Montoya Atencio was a daughter of Nicolasa Montoya (the aunt who taught Maria Martinez to make pottery). She was a sister of Rayita Montoya, Santana Montoya and Alfredo Montoya (the first husband of Tonita Roybal). Among her children, Gilbert Atencio is known primarily for is paintings. Her daughters Helen Gutierrez and Angelita Sanchez are both well-known potters.