Juanita Nieves

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Juanita Nieves, a beloved mother and grandmother. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 92 on March 7, 2025.

Born Juana Nieves Mendez on March 24, 1932, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of Juan R. Nieves and Alejandrina Mendez.

Juanita is survived by her children: Ariel (Christine) Nieves, Idalia Nieves Ingram, and Edith (Nanie) Nieves. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by three of her children: Wilfredo, Noel, and Daniel.

At the young age of 17, Juanita married Prudencio Nieves, and together they had six children: Ariel, Wilfredo, Idalia, Noel, Edith, and Daniel. Their journey as a family took them across the world. This started with their move from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Huachuca City, Arizona, in March 1956, when Prudencio was stationed at Fort Huachuca and purchased a home. Just a year later, in November 1957, they moved to Germany, where they lived until 1960. Then, another transfer brought them to Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. In March 1962, they returned to Huachuca City, where Juanita spent the remainder of her years raising her children before moving to Phoenix, AZ.

Juanita’s strength and resilience were evident in every aspect of her life. Even as she faced adversity and challenges, she remained a steady rock for her children. She single-handedly managed the household, keeping everything in order while raising her children with love and devotion. Her ability to maintain a warm, loving home, no matter the circumstances, left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Juanita’s love and devotion to her family were at the core of her being. She was the epitome of selflessness, giving everything she had to care for her loved ones. Whether her children and grandchildren were young or grown, she always found ways to support them, whether that meant babysitting, offering a listening ear, preparing meals, or mending clothing. Her caring presence was a constant source of comfort throughout their lives.

Juanita’s passion was her love of cooking for her family. She found great joy in preparing meals for her family, often cooking large, elaborate dishes whenever they came to visit. Juanita’s love for cooking was so deep that she would read cookbooks the way others might read novels, constantly searching for new ways to perfect her craft. Her perfectionism was evident in everything she made. Juanita wanted only the best. If her name was attached to a dish, it would have to be just right. Her attention to detail and her love for her family were reflected in every meal she prepared.

Her courage, determination, and love for her family will be remembered for generations to come. She was the foundation of her family, and her legacy of care, strength, and love will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

A funeral service will be held for Juanita on Friday, March 28, 2025, beginning at 11:00am at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home, located at 2100 E Quenn Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297. A private residence reception will follow.