Dear Franco Family,

My condolences to all of you. Juanita and my mom, Lupe Hernandez, were comadres. When we
were young kids we would go with our mom to
visit Juanita and her family. As soon as we got there she would offer us something to eat or drink.   We would really enjoy those visits with
Juanita and her family!
What a beautiful lady!  God bless her soul and may she enjoy Eternal life!

Rita (Villanueva) Franklin 

Dear Grandma,
I’m going to miss you so much! I’m sure your journey to Heaven was beautiful, for you always told us; be kind to the little birds & animals, they help you on your journey to Heaven. I have never forgotten that, & I know you had all your little birdie and doggy & animal friends as you made your way to our Lord & Holy Mother.
Thank you so much, Grandma, for all the times you were there for me. For providing us such a happy home whenever we came over, for being so kind to my dad & treating him just like he was your very own son. I can’t love & thank you enough for all the wisdom you gave me, especially when I called you throughout my high school & college years, not knowing what to do with my fears & problems. You always gave me the most genuine & sound advice. You always reminded me of God, of Jesus & His love for us, & Mary’s devotion to looking out for me.
No words, whether they be simple or grand, can adequately suffice in describing your nurturing care for all of us & for all our souls. You have helped me so much on my path to Papa Dios. I can still recall, so clearly & vividly, how I cried out for you when I was a very little girl when I was supposed to be sleeping downstairs. I was scared of the dark & was in tears. You came downstairs into the basement bedroom & comforted me. You held my hands & pointed to the Holy Mother’s picture & said, "Mijita, why are you afraid? Don’t you know the Holy Mother, Jesus’ Mother, will always look out for you and protect you?" & then you folded my little hands & prayed with me.
It hurts to know I will never hear your voice again or hear you tell me stories of your childhood & of your siblings & of your time getting to travel. I will take comfort in knowing God will help me to see you again someday!
I love you so much, Grandma, with all of my entire heart, & I will miss you with that same heart so deeply.
Come visit us in our dreams, Grandma! 
Love, Your Granddaughter & Friend,
Juanita Mitchell


I am sorry to hear of Mrs. Franco's passing but oh what a wonderful life and legacy she has! I grew up on Hyacinth street and remember her as the sweetest lady on the block.  Always smiling and ever so caring! The last time I saw her was in Wallmart a few years back and we had a nice chat. She looked the same as she always had. What a dear she was.  Rest in peace Mrs. Franco and give my mom a hug!

To the Franco Family- I am so sorry to hear of Juanita’s passing. I have such fond memories of her when we were all growing upon Hyacinth Street.  She was so sweet and genuine  and was always my favorite neighbor lady !  My Mom and Grandma Viola  loved her as well .   I remember when she and my Mom would talk on the phone - as we all know my Mom loved to talk - they had such a good time laughing and carrying on. The last time I took Mom to visit when Ishmael passed - they had such a good visit - I never figured out if Mom really knew where she was that day or if she knew who she was visiting . Rest In Peace dear Juanita. I know you are now in Heaven and flying with the Angels. 

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Juanita was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ishmael "Smiley" and Great-Grandson Tadeusz.

Survived by her 7 children, Rose, Mary (Lupe), Marshal, Francis (Ellen), Rachel, Hope, and Renee. Special Grandson, Joshua (Theresa) 
and 9 other Grandchildren, Cornelio (Shannon), Emiliano, Margarita (Elie), Ishmael (Diana), Francis (Aisha), Tabor (Jackie), Juana, Shandra and Rhys. 
Big grandma to MaKenzie and great-grandma to Ella Rosa, Sebastian, Ettiene, Justice and Mika.

OBITUARY

Juanita Franco

26 March, 1923 – 15 October, 2019

Imperial Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

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