She is the example of kindness and charity.
Morning Praise – Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungry
Our dear Sister Juanita (Antonita) Parra, chosen by the Lord in Baptism and loved from the beginning, was called into the embrace of her tender, loving spouse on Monday, November 16th at 9:10pm. Complications of bacterial pneumonia were the cause of her death.
Sister Juanita was born on September 23, 1928 in Grants, New Mexico the third of eight children born to Nicolas and Celsa (Medina) Parra. Five brothers and two sisters were the joy of her life. She is survived by a brother Bernardino and sisters Carmelita and Sylvia.
Sister Juanita received the Franciscan habit on August 12, 1948 and professed final vows on August 12, 1955
Sister Juanita was skilled in culinary arts. She was an excellent cook, serving in hospitals and schools in Kansas, Nebraska and New Mexico. She was assigned to the Motherhouse kitchen at Mount Saint Francis from 1963-2012, working with Sister Martinia in the kitchen for 45 years. Her favorite part in the kitchen was baking, especially pies, spoiling the Sisters with freshly baked pies every Friday.
In 2019 Sister Juanita was selected by the Provincial Council as the honoree at the Annual Franciscan Federation Assembly. The recognition theme was “A Call to be Saints, Founders and Prophets.” Sister Juanita’s humble prayerful attitude, her spirit of gratitude and joyful heart, all radiated in and through her persona. She satisfied the palate of her Sisters in her baking of cakes, pies and cookies. If ribbons were to be given, her bakery items would be decorated with purple ribbons and the aroma of her homemade chili would draw anyone to her table, spoon and bowl in hand.
Sister Juanita moved to the Saint Francis Nursing Center in April of 2018. She was deeply devoted to Eucharistic Adoration. Having a room across from the Chapel gave her the opportunity for pray, which she said was not always possible in the days of her culinary commitments. She enjoyed reading and was a welcome visitor to residents at the Nursing Center. Speaking Spanish was a gift to the residents. She played a great game of Scrabble and a “hands down” card game of Sheepshead .
She would often say when visitors were leaving her, “come back again when you can stay longer.” Our visits in eternity will be long and forever. We just temporarily say goodbye to Sister Juanita.
A private Vesper and Wake Service will be held in Canticle Chapel at Mount Saint Francis Convent at 5:15pm on Sunday, November 22nd with the Mass of Resurrection celebrated on Monday, November 23rd at 10:30am in Saint Francis of Assisi Church, followed by burial in the Mount Saint Francis Cemetery
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