Juana Silva Nieves

Juana Silva Nieves age 97, of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 24, 2023. She was born on June 12, 1926 in El Barrio Espino, San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico.

Juana known to some as Juanita touched so many people during her time here on Earth. First and foremost she had a strong faith and fear of God. She was humble, strong, and resilient. She had a cheerful personality, was a tremendous cook, had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help her family and neighbors. Her famous quote was “echa ‘pa ‘lante” or “always look forward.”

One of her main goals was to work hard so that her children had everything they needed. She was a selfless mother who dedicated herself completely to the care and upbringing of her children.

During the first years of her marriage, Juana had the vision of bringing her children to the United States. This was in order to provide them with better opportunities for their futures. In the beginning of her children’s lives, Juana resided alone in Puerto Rico while her husband came to the United States, mainland, for work. During this time she raised her children alone, but her parents became her greatest support.

In 1962, Juana decided to move to Chicago with her children. Shortly after the move and due to matters beyond her control, she again, had to raise her five children alone. This time it was more difficult. Juana was in a completely different environment she was not familiar with. She did not know the language and her financial resources were scarce. But none of this served as an obstacle for her to deviate from her goal. She raised her children in this country and they all became model citizens, contributors to society with good principles and God fearing individuals.

Once she was finished with her first goal, she was on to her second. This was to return to Puerto Rico and build her dream home on her parents' land. Juana achieved it and had a spacious three bedroom house built. In her house, Juana had photos, cards, letters and other trinket’s that her family would send her. She treasured all of these memories and kept them all safe in her home for many years. Her children, though, were always her most valuable treasure. She always welcomed them into her home when they and/or their families would come to visit. She loved catering to them and shared what she had.

One of the reasons she moved to Puerto Rico, and her third goal, was to care for both of her parents. She did this all the way up until they took their last breath. She remained at her home for quite some time, but it was only after her health began to decline, her children decided to bring her back to Chicago. This was in order to provide her with the necessary care that she needed. As Juana did with her parents, her children devoted to her care until her last breath.

Juana is survived by her loving family; her daughter, Teresa G. Roldan, (the late Gualberto, Sr.) her sons, Jose L. Gonzalez, Sr.(Anette), Gerardo Gonzalez(Elizabeth) and Alfonso Gonzalez. Her grandchildren; Jose L. Gonzalez, Jr.(Eve), Marisol Roldan, Maritza Gonzalez, Maria M. Moran(Manuel, Jr.), Gualberto Roldan, Jr.(Yolanda), Joshua Gonzalez, Tanya Roldan, Karina Toro(Jorge), Lisette Jaimez(Alfredo), Mark A. Gonzalez(Courtney); many great- grandchildren; sister, Eulogia Moyet(Gabriel), brother, Jose A. Silva(Concepcion); many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter Maria M. Gonzalez; parents Francisco and Cruz Silva; brothers Sebastian, Felipe and Andres Silva, and sister Paulina Silva.