She was a leading figure in the development of the German Catholic Women's Association and a staunch opponent of Nazism during World War II.
[1] Since her father was a diplomat, who served as an ambassador of Austria-Hungary, she spent much of her childhood in different European cities including Rome, Berlin, and Paris.
[3][4] Upon moving back to Germany, she and her husband took up residence in Munich, where she became involved in the Marian Girls Protection Association, a lay Catholic organization.
[2] Von Montgelas was elected as the second chairperson of the association, taking over management of the social programs which included advocating and caring for waitresses, maids, and other domestic workers.
Von Montgelas, who had initially supported National Socialism, was an outspoken critic of the Nazi dictatorship, particularly regarding their treatment of women.