Sanjuana Mendez

Sanjuana “Juanita” Méndez , age 83 passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife to the late Javier Sánchez Muñis ; loving mother of Bonifacio (Camila), Joel (Sonia), Abel (Patricia) and Angelica (Javier); cherished grandmother of Edgar, Vanessa, Patricia, Orlando, Cristobal, Aldo, Maite, Ruby, Abel A., Ozmar, Myla, and baby Dezza who brought immeasurable joy to her life; dear great grandmother to Martin, Olivia, Lucas, Samara, Elijah, and baby Roman; loving aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.

While she was a devoted mother to her own children, her home was a second home to countless others. She helped raise, mentor, and care for many children in Bucktown and her extended family, always offering a warm meal and endless love.

To know Sanjuana was to hear her sing. Her voice was the soundtrack to her family’s life, whether she was humming lullabies or singing along to her favorite “rancheras” bringing light to everyone fortunate enough to hear her.

“Juanita” leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a few perfectly timed one-liners.

Visitation Friday, June 19, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, Closing Prayers at 9:30 a.m., Kolbus-John V. May Funeral Home, 6857 W. Higgins Ave., Mass of Chirstian Burial, 10:00 a.m., St. Monica Church, 5136 N. Nottingham Ave., interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.

For information, 773-774-3232.