ALONZO, Juanita Belen

In Loving Memory Juanita Belen Martinez Alonzo Jan 27, 1915 - Aug 9, 2002 Juanita Alonzo began her life on January 27, 1915 in San Juan De Los Lagos Jalisco, Mexico. She was the eldest daughter born to Cayetana Limon and Petronilo Martinez, along with siblings Lorenzo, Irene, Domingo, Pascual and Margaret. Upon her family's arrival to the U.S., Juanita attended school with Irene where, according to their stories told to our family, they were placed into age appropriate grades without fluency in the English language. It wasn't long before Juanita mastered English and excelled in her studies. She completed an 8th grade education but was forbidden to continue any farther by her father as she was needed at home. Times were different then and she obeyed his wishes even though administrators came to the house trying to explain how important it was that someone of her aptitude continues. One of the stories told to the family was how in addition to her family duties she would walk miles to clean houses for a dollar a day. She even saved enough money to buy herself a car, though she would never possess a driver's license. Her brother, Domingo, wrecked the car but she easily forgave him and gave the car to her father who turned it into a work truck for the family. Juanita blossomed into an exquisite young woman, often attracting the adoration of young men. There was only one however that captured her heart, the "amour the mi Vida" and husband of 65 years, Maximo Alonzo. Our family shares many sweet and humorous tales of Maximo's courting of his "Peaches" but mostly we enjoy reminiscing over the endless devotion, honor and love they had for one another. "Jenny" and Max resided in Claypool after marriage where they raised their four sons: Larry, Danny, Paco and Adam, and daughter, Libby. Family was the most important attribute of life for Juanita and when she became a naturalized citizen May 19, 1959 for the country she loved, the initiating incident was the fact that her first born son Larry missed a C.I.D. position in the navy because of her citizenship status. She immediately began studying for the naturalization test, even tutoring other immigrants who could not easily speak English. Juanita was always one to help her family and would do anything to care and support them. This was never more evident than in the 1980's when her youngest son Adam became extremely ill with stomach ulcers and she would begin the day by caring for him. Preparing a special diet, making sure he took his medication, and then walking two miles to help her mother care for her aged and invalid father. She would then return home in the evenings, fix her husband dinner, upkeep her house and ready herself for the same routine the following day. One of her most fulfilling actions though was the fact that she helped her granddaughter Melinda finish college. She is also known for the delicate tortillas that melted in our mouths, the ample supply of frijoles, chili con carne, tamales and rellenos we've always enjoyed. Most of all we know her for her heart, her laugh, her warmth and generosity. She loved music, going for walks, playing cards and watching her novellas. She was the ultimate wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend and person. For us, she set the standard for excellence. "No mortal words could ever express the love that was your light in this world. You are greatly missed, deeply loved, and forever remembered." Published in the Arizona Republic on 1/27/2004.