Obituary of Juana Ouellette

Juana Ouellette, 94, passed away peacefully in Santa Cruz, California, on November 2, 2023. She was born in Nicaragua, and in her twenties, she moved to the US and earned her cosmetology license. Throughout her life, Juana lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles--the Torrance-Lomita area, and Fairfield, CA. She later moved to Santa Cruz to be close to her daughter, Adela Najarro.

Juana owned numerous beauty salons throughout her life. She also was a certified cosmetology instructor and an examiner for the California State Board of Cosmetology. She helped all in need with her time and resources. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Capitola. She also was an avid cat lover and rescued numerous feral cats. In Fairfield, along with her husband Joseph, she took care of a feral cat colony for years eventually adopting ten or so of the cats. She would pay vet fees to take care of these creatures when they were sick and injured helping to ease their pain.

She gave her whole life to support, love, and protect her son, Salvador Najarro, so that he could remain healthy, happy, and safe. She showered her daughter, Adela Najarro, with love and support. She was a loving wife, who cherished her husband, Joseph Ouellette. Juanita gave to everyone throughout her life. She helped many of her brothers and sisters immigrate to the United States, along with many of their children. Much of her extended family is in the United States due to her direct support. She also viewed her extended family as of primary importance so many of her nieces also began careers in cosmetology. She particularly loved her great-grandnephew Angel Danny Sanchez, and helped raise him during his childhood.

Juana is preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph Ouellette. She is survived by her son Salvador Najarro, daughter Adela Najarro, niece Teresa Sanchez, and grand-niece Astrid Sanchez.

A Mass Of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 am on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Capitola. A Committal Service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery in Seaside, California. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter: https://www.scanimalshelter.org/donate/