Juanita Garcia

May 27, 1953 - Aug 26, 2026

Juanita Garcia passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Berwyn, Illinois. Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange St., Abilene, TX 79601; burial will follow at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at North's Funeral Home.

Born in Colorado City, Texas, on May 27, 1953, to Juan and Lena Jaquez, Juanita grew up in Abilene, Texas, where she graduated from Abilene High School. Known throughout her life as Juanita Garcia, Juanita Arrieta, and Juanita Jaquez, she carried each name with pride, reflecting the many chapters of love, family, and identity that shaped her journey.

Juanita's life was rich with creativity, joy, and simple pleasures. After many dedicated years working as a customer service representative at FDLIC in Abilene, TX, she spent her later years enjoying a well-earned retirement in Illinois. She crocheted blankets that wrapped her loved ones in warmth and care, each stitch a quiet expression of devotion. She loved movies and reading, finding comfort, escape, and inspiration in stories of every kind. She enjoyed dancing and singing, filling rooms with her laughter and unmistakable spirit. Her green thumb brought life to every plant she touched, and her magnificent, comforting, and made with love cooking was a gift she shared generously with family and friends. She also treasured traveling with her late husband Izzy, creating memories that carried her through the years with tenderness and gratitude.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Israel "Izzy" Garcia; her parents, Juan and Lena Jaquez; and her siblings David Jaquez, Yolanda "Bebe" Arrieta, Israel "Hawk" Jaquez, Orlando "Butch" Jaquez, Nora Jaquez, Mario Jaquez, and Beda Jaquez Hackney. 

She is tenderly survived by her children-Micha Arellano and fiancé Luis Palli; Angelique Arrieta and husband Gary Pecho; and her youngest, Juan Carlos Arrieta-each carrying pieces of her strength, humor, and kindheartedness. She remains cherished by her siblings, Geneva "Pat" Camacho and husband Junior Camacho; Jaime Jaquez; and Dino Jaquez and wife Jennifer Jaquez, who shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and unspoken understanding with her.

Her grandson, Devlin Shadow Arellano, continues to hold her light, a living reminder of the love she leaves behind. She is also lovingly remembered by all her cousins, nieces, and nephews, including her nephew Eric Arrieta, whose bond with her was one of deep affection and closeness.

Her love extended warmly into her blended family, embracing Gary's children-Megan, William, and Grace Pecho-with the same generosity of spirit she shared with all those she held dear. 

Her greatest joy was her family, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, grandson, siblings, and all who loved her. She will always be remembered.