Juanita Soto Ortiz was born on June 24, 1933 in Dr. Castillo del Valle, Durango, Mexico. She was a long-time resident of Chicago and died on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at home.
Juanita was one of ten children (Silvina+, Carmela+, Isidra+, Maria Guadalupe+, Gregorio+, German+, Leopoldo+, Efren+, and Jose Dolores+) to Francisca (+) and Lorenzo Ortiz (+). She taught catechism and sang in the church choir in her hometown, before marrying the love of her life, Paulin Soto, in 1955. A year later, they emigrated to the United States and made Chicago their new home. For nearly 25-years, she was a dedicated employee at Lamkin Leather – a golf grip manufacturer. In 1989 she and Paulin retired to Durango, Mexico, creating lasting friendships with neighbors and families of the Colegio Ingles in Durango.
Juanita loved socializing, hosting family events, traveling, and horticulture. She was the model wife, aunt, mother and grandmother. Her infectious smile, laughter and demeanor lit up a room everywhere she went.
She is survived by her husband, Paulin Soto, her five children: Sylvia Ortiz (Juan M. Ortiz +), Phillip Soto (Lorena), Paul Soto (Carmen), David Soto (Cynthia), and Arthur Soto. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren that called her “Ita”.
Services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019 for Visitation from 3pm – 9pm at Montclair – Lucania Funeral Home and Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Santa Maria Addolorata at 10am. Interment private.
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