Antonia was born in Burbank, California, and was the fourth oldest of 12 siblings. As the family continued to grow, her parents eventually found their forever home in Fresno, California, where Antonia remained and shared a home with her brother Joe for many years after their parents passed.
Revered by her brother Joe, Antonia was remembered as a special woman—someone anyone would be blessed to have as a sister. She was adored by her baby brother Gus and sister Mary, who thought of her more as a second mother, as she cared for their every need. Antonia was her sister’s best friend and confidant whenever she needed someone to talk to. Her sister Cora remembers how gracious a host she was and how she exuded goodness. Cora also shared that the nickname “Wella” was given to Antonia by her siblings because she would always be right by their mother’s side whenever they were being scolded.
Antonia shied away from being the center of attention, never realizing just how bright a light she truly was to her family. She was the matriarch of the family who quietly and without compromise cared for everyone, always placing her own needs aside. Her wisdom was unmatched, and she was the constant everyone could count on.
Antonia was a chef in the kitchen, and every meal she prepared was one you would think about long after, especially during the holidays.
Antonia took great pride in speaking about her nieces and nephews, whom she loved as if they were her own children. She held the highest values and was deeply devoted to her family, taking great pride in carrying the Juarez family name. Antonia was a true role model to her family and was known for her strength, resilience, and beauty.
A devoted daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, and friend, she will never know how much she will be missed. How fortunate we were to have been loved by Antonia, a woman of such grace.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Adela and Joe Juarez; brothers John and Ben Juarez, Sr.; and sisters Hope Cairo and Dolores “Lola” Macias.
She is survived by her siblings Connie, Cora, Joe, Mary, and Gus; sisters-in-law Stella and Rosie; brother-in-law Steve; and her loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Tu recuerdo vivirá eternamente en nuestros corazones.
The Juarez family would like to extend a special thank-you to the members of Nazareth House, who became Antonia’s extended family and now share in our heartbreak.
