Ms. Juana Soto's Obituary
Juana (“Juanita”) Soto entered the loving arms of Our Lord on May 18, 2019 at the age of 73. She was born in Pinos, Zacatecas, Mexico to Paula Lara and Jose Soto on October 2, 1945. Juanita was known to be an active and curious child, and spent lots of time with her many siblings. She moved to Chicago from Mexico as a young adult, and started her career in domestic services. She gave birth to her son, Heriberto (“Eddie”), in 1980, and spent the first five years of his life in Chicago. They returned to Houston in 1985, and Juanita lived here with her parents and son, and then independently, until her death.
In Chicago and throughout her life, Juanita was actively involved in many aspects of the Catholic Church. Her faith and relationship with God was at the center of her life. Juanita was part of St. Cecilia Catholic Church for several years and contributed to many faith groups throughout her life. She was a devoted employee and worked tirelessly to create clean spaces for others. She took pride in her work and offered her labor “for the glory of God”.
Juanita loved gardening, bright colors, glitter and pizazz, and things of beauty. She was creative, resourceful, and generous, knitting items for loved ones and finding gems at second hand stores. She was independent and adventurous, and loved to travel and try new things. Throughout her life, she had a childlike and at times mischievous spirit, and reveled in nature. A beloved grandmother, she is famous for passing out “dulces” to her grandchildren in secret, many times a day. She was connected to her Mexican heritage and loved Mexican music and celebration.
Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, and by her sister, Mariquita. She will be warmly remembered by all of us, including her loving son, Heriberto Soto, his wife, Julia, and their three daughters, Clara, Lucia, and Elena Soto.
The Soto family will be receiving friends and family on Friday, May 24, 2019 for a funeral mass at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:20 AM with mass to follow, beginning at 10:00 AM. Committal services will begin at 12:30 PM at SouthPark Cemetery. A celebration of Juanita’s life will take place at the community pool in Juanita’s condo complex, Wilcrest Walk Townhomes, in Houston, Texas, at 3:30 pm on Friday, May 24th.
Any financial contributions can be offered in Juanita’s name to St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Please specify in the memo that the contribution should go toward the 3a Edad group.
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