April 10, 1952 – July 10, 2022
Juanita Rose De La Torre was born in Phoenix, Arizona on April 10th, 1952. She passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on the evening of July 10th, 2022. She was in the comforting presence of her loving family. “Nita” is survived by her two sons: Brian and Michael, as well as a bevy of adoring grandchildren and several siblings.
Nita was a true believer in a Higher Power. She was proud to be 35 years sober. She was an amazing person, mother, grandmother, and sibling.
She was fun and adventurous. Her sons have many stories to pass on; the good and the bad; but mostly hilarious.
She was a true bohemian. She had great taste in music, movies, and culture. In a movie theater, hers was always the loudest laugh. She also had a rebellious streak that everybody knew and loved. She was a believer in the noble ideals of the 1960’s including peace, love, happiness and blue jeans- lots of blue jeans.
Nita often worked miserable jobs to support her boys, but she never let that keep her from being present in their lives, even finding the time to volunteer to coach basketball. She wore an old army jacket and Levi’s jeans to practice and was not afraid to bounce a ball off a player’s head if they weren’t paying attention.
Nita was a single parent, and she made many sacrifices. Despite the challenges, she did an admirable job of fulfilling dual responsibilities. She taught her boys to be independent, tough, and resourceful. She even taught them to play basketball and baseball.
Later, Mama became “Nana” and was the coolest grandmother around. She slowed down a tad. Colorful sun dresses replaced the blue jeans. Pretty shawls replaced the camouflage jacket. She became a proud fixture at various musical events, basketball games, comedy routines and theater productions; always supporting and cheering on her beloved grandchildren.
Nita gave so much of herself to those she loved, but she saved the best for last. She sacrificed time with her family and grandchildren to lovingly care for her parents during their final years. She painstakingly and without complaint tended to her father and bedridden mother for six years. It’s funny how things came full circle in Nita’s life because she went to nursing school and always wanted to become a nurse, but life got in the way. She would have been an amazing nurse based on the care and compassion she provided. She fulfilled the greatest of challenges and she did so with such dignity.
Nita brought a tremendous amount of love and laughter into every interaction she had. There was never a dull moment in her presence. She was a gorgeous woman and wonderful spirit. There are no words that can effectively express how much she will be missed by those who know and love her.
A viewing will be provided on Wednesday, July 20th between 5:00pm and 8:00pm at the Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona. 7900 E. Main Street. A mass will be held on Thursday, July 21st at 10:00am in Mesa at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 30 W. First Street. Burial services will be held on July 22st at 10:00 am back at the Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery.
