Juanita “Janie” Espinoza De Leon passed away in the comfort of her home with her family by her side on Saturday, May 4, 2019, she was 82 years old. Janie was born April 3, 1937, in Somerset, Texas, to Trinidad and Petra (Galicia) Espinoza.
Janie led a life of selflessness.
It was 1952 when Janie’s brother Margarito introduced her to Fernando De Leon while at a dance in Plainview, Texas. The couple were soon married and moved to Cuero, Texas where they lived for a number of years before settling in Victoria, Texas.
In 1954 Janie and Fernando began their journey as a married couple with the beginning of their greatest blessing in the order of, Irma “Jean,” followed by Harold, Fernando Jr., Joseph, Jesusa “Susan” and Martin.
Janie demonstrated God’s love on a daily basis through her actions and words. To describe her is nearly impossible but we will do our best.
To have known Juanita Espinoza De Leon was to know a true Christian. She was caring, kind, reverent and gifted with the discernment of the Holy Spirit. She was a humble and devoted servant of God, inspiring those around her to trust fully and love unconditionally. She was quick to pardon those that caused her suffering and never allowed malice to dwell in her heart. She gained strength through sacrifice, always found beauty in the unexpected and cherished all that God placed in her life. Her smile was radiant and her eyes would shine like the brightest star on the clearest night. Her laugh was infectious and her hugs were genuine.
Janie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007, a battle that would reveal love, patience, and sacrifice in those closest to her; qualities she herself demonstrated and raised her children to possess. Until her dying breath, Janie was surrounded by those that adored her.
She is survived by her spouse, Fernando Becerra De Leon, and five children; Irma Jean (David) Villarreal, Harold (Tina) De Leon, Fernando (Sylvia) De Leon, Jr., Jesusa “Susan” (David) Gutierrez, and Martin (Deborah) De Leon; 23 grandchildren; and many (many) great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Petra and Trinidad Espinoza; brothers Gilbert Espinoza, Margarito Espinoza, Jesse Espinoza and Joe Espinoza; sister Sylvia Sanchez, mother-in-law, Maria Jesusa De Leon; and son, Joseph De Leon.
Funeral services for Juanita “Janie” Espinoza De Leon will be held in Victoria at Rosewood Funeral Home, 3304 E. Mockingbird Lane. A viewing will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. A mass celebrating her life will be held at 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 208 W. River St. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Pallbearers are Janie’s grandsons; Joseph Loza, Harold Molina, Michelangelo De Leon, Mathew De Leon, Emmanuel De Leon, and Joshua Rivera. Serving as honorary pallbearers are, Don Trinidad De Leon and Fernando De Leon III.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com
