My deepest condolences to the family of Juanita.  I was so very blessed to have Juanita  
(Nana) as the caretaker of my sons from the time of their birth to the time they moved away to College! Nana was by my side as a single working mother who was growing a business as founder and CEO- none of which could have been possible without the peace of mind she gave me in doing so. I am eternally grateful to her and her daughter and son and grandchildren for “ sharing” her for so many years. The two sons she helped raised- Alejandro and Francisco went on to graduate  from Yale, Stanford, Oxford and Harvard, They are both fluent in Spanish because of her. 
We will miss you dear Nana. Please rest peacefully, knowing that we are here for your family eternally, just as you were always  for ours .

Las palabras no son suficientes para describir   tantos lindos recuerdos que tengo de mi titi Soto, pero mis mejores recuerdos son de cuando era niña y viví con ella por varios meses. Nunca he olvidado la estabilidad, los cariños y cuidados que me dio mientras mami estaba en el hospital. Que descanses en paz querida titi Soto. 

Words aren't enough to describe so many good memories I have of titi Soto, but I will always cherish the memories of when I was a kid and I lived with her for a few months. I will never forget that she provided me stability, love, and care when mom was in the hospital.   Rest in peace dear titi Soto.

I was so, so blessed to have been raised by my Nana(!) for my entire childhood. She showed her immense love by being consistent, steady, and present every day — always early in the carpool line in her CR-V, and willing to make me the silliest and most delicious lunches (tuna salad with crackers, like clockwork)! I can see her playing 106.7 in the car and getting excited about the oldies, especially Under the Boardwalk. There are so many things I will always associate with her, but what moves me most was that my brother and I never doubted her love for us for a second, and I know most people never get that kind of certainty from anyone. She raised us, worried about us, protected us, and showered us with love in all the simplest and most important of ways, and for that I am forever grateful.

Juanita, who I called Nana, raised me. She was there just after I was born — a month before scheduled — and has had an outsized presence in my life ever since. She taught me all the little things: how to tie my shoes, when to wear a belt, how to buckle up, how to iron a shirt. She taught me big things, too: how to ready myself for the world, how to not worry, how to believe in myself, how to dream. She taught me Spanish and made sure I used it. She supported me in every endeavor. She helped me study, encouraged me to keep going: celebrated when I made art. She taught me the power of healing and caring: of tending to her mother, of tending to her children and grandchildren (who she so immensely loved), of tending to others (me, my brother) like her very own. She taught me about reiki, about auras and the healing touch, about belief and about the importance of remaining open to the beliefs of others. She made me the person I am today, and I will always carry her with me: her laugh, her bravery, her patience, her love. Nana, te amo siempre.

Titi Soto was such a kind soul and always made me feel like family. I especially remember and enjoyed the fall foliage day that we spent in Jim Thorpe, PA with her,  as well as  Charito and her family, and Rafaelito.  Sending comfort to all her loved ones during this difficult time.  Rest in peace, Titi Soto.

Words could never fully express the gratitude in my heart that we became friends in this lifetime. Our time together started off as you as my baby sitter but we know that it was always more than that. Rest in peace Nana 🤍

OBITUARY

Juanita Carolina Mendoza

August 25, 1944 – June 9, 2026

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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