Juanita “Janie” Almendarez, 93, of Port Huron Township, died Friday, August 20, 2021.
She was born September 14, 1927 in Genoa, Texas to the late Juan and Manuela Diaz.
Juanita was employed with Vlassic Pickle for many years and as a young woman worked as a waitress at the Harrington Hotel where she was affectionately referred to as “Sweet Pea”. She enjoyed bowling, Bingo, and spending time at the Eagles playing pull tabs. She loved being with her family, and driving around at Christmas to view the lights.
She is survived by seven children, Ramon (Pam) Almendarez, Leonard Almendarez, Tom (Noulsri) Almendarez, Juan (Mary) Almendarez, Maria Noe, Lorenzo (Kim) Almendarez and Juanita (Dave) Neis; 13 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; two siblings, Theresa (Joe) Gonzales and John (Nancy) Diaz; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by five siblings, Lupe, Jesse and Angeles Diaz, Ruth Chavez and Esther Ledesma.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2021 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.
Juanita will lie in state from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Holy Trinity Parish St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Reverend Bradley Forintos will officiate.
Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Port Huron. Pallbearers will be Larry Lonsby Jr., Thomas and Lorenzo Almendarez, Daniel Ledesma, Justen Delong, and David Watson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Water Area Humane Society. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com.
