Juanita Rea was born January 6, 1951 in Donna, Texas, to parents Jesus and Otilia Rodriguez. She was the oldest of four siblings: Elenor, Maria de Jesus, and Rosalinda. Juanita moved to California as a teenager and attended Dos Palos High School, where she met her husband, Manuel Rea. They married shortly after graduating high school in 1971 and lived in Firebaugh, CA. They were blessed with raising five children: four daughters--Yesenia, Michelle, Isela, and Esmeralda--and a son, Manuel Rea Jr.
In 1997, Juanita was widowed when her husband, Manuel Rea, passed away. Juanita devoted her life to raising her children as a single mother while working at Gargiulo, a tomato producer. After committing 22 years of her life there, Juanita retired due to medical conditions. She spent every moment of her free time with her children and 19 grandchildren, which includes 11 grandsons and 8 granddaughters, as well as her beloved great-granddaughter.
On September 13, 2025, Juanita peacefully passed away, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Juanita's life was one of strength, love, and a heart for others. She showed her children and grandchildren what it means to live with empathy, kindness, and a willingness to help others. Her giving spirit made a difference not just in her family's lives, but in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Though she will be deeply missed, Juanita's spirit lives on through the values she instilled in her family. Her legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will forever be remembered.

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