Minerva "Minnie" Marie Juarez

Minnie was born in Fresno, CA, on March 27, 1927. She graduated from Fresno Technical High School in 1945, and married Raymond Juarez on November 19, 1948. She worked as a bank teller for Bank of America for 30 years, working at notable Fresno branches over the years.

Minnie loved spending time with her family and looked forward to every celebration. From birthdays and holidays to graduations and weddings, she always expressed how happy she was to be surrounded by loved ones. Family vacations all over California were especially an exciting time for both Minnie and Ray.

Baking with her granddaughter was a real treat for Minnie, too. With every sweet recipe they created unforgettable memories, especially the time they forgot to add blueberries to their blueberry muffins.

Yet Minnie found the greatest joy in life’s small moments: gathered around the kitchen table with her closest loved ones to share stories and laughter with a slice of cake and a cup of coffee.

While Minnie was known to order dessert first, she always stopped to smell the roses. She was a true example of how to live and how to love. Her kindness and warmth was felt during the toughest times, and her strong heart even in her final days was a testament to her ability to love fully until the end.

The family thanks the Nazareth House and AseraCare Hospice for their compassion and tender care for Minnie as she prepared to reunite with Poppy.

Minerva was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Marie Lozano; her husband, Raymond; and stepsister Mariann Ramirez.

She will be missed by her sisters, Carmen Torres and Lydia Martinez; stepsister, Angie Monroy; stepbrothers, Charlie and Rudy Castillo; daughter, Marie Garcia and her husband, Mario; daughter Francesca Peterson; grandchildren, Amy Peterson, Gary Peterson and his wife, Jessica; and Katrina Riggs and her husband, Andrew; and other extended family.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Nazareth House.