Juanita Saiz Cortez

Juanita S. Cortez originally from Artesia, New Mexico, and long-time resident of Tucson, Arizona died Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Joseph's hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Born in 1942 to Frances S. Cortez and Juan O. Cortez in Artesia, New Mexico, Juanita later moved to Tucson, Arizona with her five children where she studied and earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Arizona. Juanita was very proud of her heritage and participated in numerous events as an activist within the Chicano community. Throughout her life, she held various occupations while attending college as a full time student and raising a family of six. She worked as a juvenile detention and domestic violence counselor, accountant/bookeeper, customer service representative, as well as being self employed as a Mary Kay consultant, Herbalife distributor and Tax Preparer with Liberty Tax. Juanita loved her family and friends, and enjoyed family gatherings. She was very supportive of everyone in her family, especially of her 23 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren in all their endeavors. She attended their events regularly and always made an effort to help in whatever she could. In addition to the time she dedicated to her family, she made time to serve the Lord attending church, being a Eucharistic Minister, and an active member of Las Guadalupanas. She is survived by her six children: Rudy, Viviana, Maria Luisa, Mariano (Junior), Anthony, and Adelita. Visitation will be held Friday March 16, 2018 at Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn 5401 S. Park Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85706 from 5:00-9:00 pm with a 6:00 pm rosary. Funeral services will be held at St. Augustine's Cathedral 192 S. Stone Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85701 on Saturday March 17, 2018 at 9:00 am with a reception to follow.