San Juanita Marquez

Janie was born on December 18, 1952, in Edinburg, Texas, and was preceded in death by her parents, Cruz Lujan Sr. and Maria Trinidad Lujan.

She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Samuel Rezzoffi; children, Daniel Marquez and wife Paige, Michael A.C. Marquez; brothers, Cruz Lujan Jr. and wife Stella, Joe Lujan and wife Margie; grandchildren, Dominic, Milo, and Phoebe “Jane” Marquez; nieces and nephews, Cruz Shawn, Janie, Brittany, and Joann Lujan.

With more than 37 years of service in Houston Independent School District, Janie dedicated her life to education and the success of her students. She began her career as a mathematics teacher and later served as an Assistant Principal in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout HISD before ultimately returning to Reagan High School, where she retired as an Assistant Principal. Her heart was always with the students she served, and her impact on countless lives is immeasurable. Even late in life, she would insist on looking her best because, “She never knew if she would bump into any of her students.”

Her capacity for love extended far beyond her own family and friends. As a strong Latina leader in predominantly Hispanic schools, she served as a role model for generations of young people. Through her example, she encouraged students to dream bigger, believe in themselves, and pursue opportunities they may never have thought possible.

Ironically, it was also at Reagan High School where she attended school alongside her future husband, Samuel Rezzoffi. As he would tell it, they traveled parallel streets on their way to school but never crossed paths. It would be many years later that a friendship was rekindled, eventually becoming a lifelong partnership and marriage.

Mom lived life with gratitude and vigor. For years, she gladly made the hour-long drive each Friday just to spend time with her grandchildren – letting them climb all over her while somehow carrying on three conversations at once.

She derived her life energy from children, whether they were her own, her grandchildren, her students, or those of friends and neighbors.

When she wasn't busy saving the world, Janie loved dancing to Michael Jackson ("The Way You Make Me Feel"), Elvis, and oldies. She loved flowers and wasn’t above reminding them that "Y'all better behave, or I'm gonna get rid of you!" She welcomed visits from family, friends, and even those who weren't quite friends yet, making sure no one ever left with an empty belly. She also enjoyed playing the piano (provided it didn't interfere with her nails) and planning her next adventure—including a long-awaited trip to visit the castles of Ireland. She was an avid reader of Danielle Steel novels, and nothing delighted her quite like hearing Sam announce he'd found another one at a thrift store. She also had a mischievous side, famously insisting that her younger brother Joe was adopted ("We’re still waiting for Joe to show us the paperwork!"). Add in shrimp, fish, nachos, menudo, a great pair of high heels, and you had many of the ingredients that brought her joy. She will be missed in a way that cannot be fully expressed in words, but the greatest way we can honor her is by carrying forward the love she shared and living the values she exemplified.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 2516 Navigation Blvd., TX 77003, US, on August 4, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am (next day), with a Rosary Service there the same evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Visitation will also be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community, 3600 Brinkman St, Houston, TX 77018, on August 5, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, on August 5, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.