Juanita A. Distefano

Juanita was born on February 1,1942 in Rixey, Arkansas to Terry J and Dora Ellen Ivey. She was the eleventh child out of 20 in the Ivey family with 8 brothers and 11 sisters.

She met David A. Distefano in 1959 in Omaha Nebraska while she was visiting family members, and they were married on December 3,1960 at St. Joseph’s Church in Omaha. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2020 before the passing of her husband that same year. Juanita and Dave raised three children, David, Bryan and Sherri.

Juanita ‘s joy in life was being a stay- at-home mother spending quality time with her children and only working in the Gretna Public School system when all 3 children were already in school. She worked as a teachers aid with elementary school children for 33 years and was affectionately known by the students as “Mrs. D”.

Juanita had a strong faith in the Lord, which she shared with her husband and passed on to her 3 children. She saw the beauty in the world and all of God’s creation and enjoyed watching the wildlife in her yard.

She was known by all that met her as kind, generous, funny, caring and her infectious laughter was contagious. She was always ready to give a hug and an uplifting word to all she met and both people and animals were drawn to her warmth.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and collecting items in which she found beauty and enjoyment. These collections included angel statues, wind chimes, and pig figurines. However, the collection she enjoyed the most were her many Barbie dolls that she loved to display and show to family and friends. She also loved going to musicals, movies and family trips.

Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, Dave; and parents, Terry J. and Dora Ellen Ivey; brothers, Arnold, Marvin, Leo, Wayne, Johnny Rae, James Edward, Vernon; and sisters, Essie, Ruby, Dorothy, Betty Jean, Terrie Ann, Mary Ellen.

She is survived by her children, David (Belinda), Bryan (Denise), and Sherri (Frank); grandchildren, Chase, Amber, Jake, Caleb, Zach, and Ashley; great-grandchildren, Mila, Julianna, and Everly; brother, Billy Joe Ivey; sisters, Carlion Rischar, Peggy Rupp, Doris Sayles, Joe Ann Miller, and Rebecca Nava.

VISITATION Friday, June 14, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a WAKE SERVICE to follow at 7:00 PM at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, 441 N Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. FUNERAL MASS Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 508 W. Angus Road, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. INTERMENT at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in memory of Juanita Distefano at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna.