Obituary of Juanita S Valera

Juanita Sunico Sivila Valera, known to her friends as, Juanning, to her family, Auntie J or Auntie Lola, or Auntie Juanning, passed away at Dominican Hospital on April 18, 2019. She was 85 years old. Auntie was born in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, and after finishing her BSN degree she migrated to the U.S then moved to Canada then back to the U.S. She spent most of her adult life in Chicago, IL and moved to Santa Cruz, California, in December of 2013.

Auntie Juanning was the youngest of 5 siblings. She grew up in her hometown, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. Graduated with her BSN degree at University of Santo Tomas. After migrating to the states, and settling in Chicago, she worked at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and at a Veterans Hospital as a operating room nurse and recovery nurse. Because of her decades of work experience she became one of the most experienced nurses in the hospital.  She retired at the age of 65 years old.

Auntie Juanning was married to the, late Uncle Carling. She married him in her late 40s. She conceived 3, unfortunately miscarried all 3. They both loved to go to the casino; their house was only a block away from the bus station where they took the bus to go to the casino. They loved to go to the casino so much that they were able to obtain points which translated to free dinners and trips to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the U.S. They also loved to go fishing at Lake Michigan during smelt season, usually staying up until 3 in the morning. They enjoyed travelling and driving to Florida. With all their accumulated winnings from gambling, she also loved to go shopping.

Auntie Juanning lived by herself in Chicago, until Dean and Terry, both nurses, took her under their care after the death of Myrna Bonifacio, who used to oversee her daily needs. All her medical, personal, and emotional needs were provided by Dean and Terry. They brought her along every vacation such as cruises, and brought her to casinos and family gatherings, which she enjoyed very much. Even during her health decline, Dean and Terry, managed to take her along to outside activities, that she had always loved.

Viewing will be held on Thursday May 9th, 2019 from 2-8pm and the recitation of the holy rosary will be held at 5pm at Benito Azzaro Pacific Garden chapel. Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church at 126 High Street, Santa Cruz, on Friday May 10, 2019 beginning at 11am. After which, she will be finally laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery