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Juanita Raquel Torres Richardson was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 24, 1948. She went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2003, after a courageous struggle with cancer. Juanita graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1966. She attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a BS in Elementary Education/Special Education in 1970. She started her teaching career in Belen, New Mexico. She later taught in San Jose, California; Pasadena, Texas; and Albuquerque. Her father, Sinesio Alvarez Torres and sister, Thelia Patricia, preceded Juanita in death. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jim, and her loving children, Angela and Tony. Other family members include, her mother, Angelina Calderon Torres; her brothers, Carlos and wife, Patty; Sinesio (Snip) and wife, Mary Helen; Emilio and wife, Midge; sisters, Rose Mary (Redd) Eakin and husband, Randy; and Jo-An Torres and husband, Dean Dye. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews were also blessed by being a part of her family. Juanita was a devoted wife and mother. She provided her husband and children with unwavering support and love.She will be remembered for her kindness, loving nature, unselfishness, nurturing spirit and abiding strength through her faith in the Lord. She always had a humorous story; she loved to sing; and delighted in enchanting children with story telling, often with her mom. She was known for enhancing her stories and school announcements with appropriate accents. She never met a cat she didn't love. Those who knew Juanita felt truly blessed to have her in their lives. The family extends deepest gratitude to the American Cancer Society, the New Mexico Cancer Center, and the compassionate caregivers in the Presbyterian Hospital Oncology Ward and to her supportive neighbors in Tinnin Farms. A Rosary Vigil Service will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd., NE (just south of Paseo del Norte). A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community Church. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society ABQ Chapter, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, 87110, designated for the Juanita's Joy fund. Your living memorial to this beautiful human being will be used to continue for people affected by cancer, what brought Juanita great joy throughout her life - helping others to have a better life.
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