She was the only child of Ezequiel Mendez and Justina Aviles. Her mother died when she was less than a year old, consequently, she was raised by her father and aunts. While still a 15-year old teenager, she met, who would eventually become her husband, Carlos Torres-Alers, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was 17. They fell in love, and were married the following year in 1947.
Looking forward to a better future, Carlos enlisted in the US Army at the age of 19. This decision would lead to a life of travel for his new wife and future family, including Panama, Europe, and the U.S. For himself, this decision also brought highly dangerous combat tours of duty which included service in two major conflicts, once in Korea and twice in Vietnam. Carlos delivered honorable and brave service. Lucky for him, Juanita was at home with the family “taking care of business”, and keeping the family together. Her many faithful prayers were answered, as evidenced by Carlos safe return.
We would like to simply pause for a moment and ponder upon what raising 8 children may have been like for Juanita, while her husband was away, often in far-away lands, under the danger of combat, and especially for her, at such a young age. It must have been an incredibly challenging experience, but one that shows the kind of person she was. Some words may come to mind as she faithfully took care of her family, most of the time, while home alone, due to Carlos’ duties in the Army as a soldier. Perhaps words such as; perseverant, relentless, long-suffering, faithful, dedicated, loving, protective, in summary, an incredible mom.
Unfortunately, there is not enough time to recall all the times and situations which Juanita had to face, adapt, and overcome, many times, completely on her own, but her children can remember. Most of them were aware of the multiple relocations from Army base to Army base, including overseas. Father was not there many times, or had to leave before them to his new assignment. This incredible burden rested with Mama Jenny, Juanita, the anchor of the family.
May we honor her memory and what she left with each one of us, by living a life of love, goodness, and obedience to the God she served, with the faithfulness, devotion and love with which she lived hers.
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