Juanita R. Gomez

Weslaco: Juanita R. Gomez, 97, entered her eternal resting place on Tuesday, September 13th, 2022. Juanita was born on March 16th, 1925, to Santiago and Esperanza Rodriguez in Mercedes, Texas. Juanita's family moved to Weslaco in 1930 and were some of Weslaco's founding pioneers. The family opened La Reynera Bakery, which quickly became a local hangout. Juanita went to work in the family business when she was only ten years old. While working at the bakery, Juanita met her husband, Rufino Gomez. She and Rufino were married in 1940 and would spend the next twenty-five years raising eight children and traveling all over the country as migrant workers. The family worked in Missouri, Florida, Alabama, and Michigan. Juanita and Rufino taught the children the value of a hard day's work at an early age.

Although Juanita had no formal education, she was a brilliant and talented seamstress. Juanita could replicate any bridal gown by just looking at a photo. Juanita's talent didn't go unnoticed. She was sought after by locals wanting something special for a wedding, quinceañera, prom, or homecoming, to name a few. Juanita also became a master seamstress.

Juanita didn't learn to drive until she was in her forties. Her foresight was crucial, and Juanita had to become more independent after Rufino's untimely death in 1975. Juanita became independent and dedicated the rest of her life to helping friends and family. Juanita would drive her older friends around to run errands or to play Bingo, a favorite pastime of Juanita's for many years. She also went to local nursing homes and hospitals to keep her friends company and offered support and comfort. Although she was late to the driver's seat, Juanita drove until she was 94.

Juanita enjoyed traveling. When her children moved out of the valley, she continued to visit them all. She spent time in Illinois, California, and Dallas and took many trips to Monterrey, Mexico to visit her parents' family.

Juanita inherited her parent's enthusiasm for cooking and was able to duplicate many popular recipes from the bakery. She was able to teach her daughters to make tamales. Juanita's Thanksgiving turkey was so unique and special that the recipe would remain a secret left to Juanita's daughters.

Juanita raised her children in the Catholic church. Her faith remained the most crucial part of her life, attending mass regularly at San Martin De Porres. Juanita was strong and independent. She was a true friend to countless people and led by example, teaching her children and grandchildren valuable life lessons every chance she could.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Santiago and Esperanza Rodriguez, her husband, Rufino Gomez, sons, Rodolfo Gomez, Ruben Gomez, and Rufino Gomez Jr., grandson, Emiliano Gomez, brother, Pedro Rodriguez, and sister, Estela Gilster.

She is survived by her children, Roberto Gomez (Nellie) of California., Elva Asebedo (Ray+) of Grand Prairie, Ricardo Gomez of McAllen, Yolanda Holmgren (Michael) of Florida, San Juanita Rodriguez (Lico) of Weslaco, sister, Delia Armendarez, brother, Martin Rodriguez, and sister in law, Elisa Sanchez, 23 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, September 16th, 1-9 pm, at McCaleb Funeral Home, with a celebration of life beginning at 6 pm, followed by a rosary Friday evening. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 17th, at 10 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, followed by burial at Highland Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Zachary Asebedo, Ricardo Gomez Jr., Ralph Gomez, Oscar Rios, LeRoy Rodriguez, and Fred Rodriguez. Honorary pallbearers will be Joel Rios Jr. and Raul Rodriguez.

The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation and thanks for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Kindred Hospital and McAllen Comfort Home.