Tributes

Juanita “Janie” Villarreal Del Rio passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 at the age of 92. Juanita was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 4, 1930. She was born at the Sunshine Ranch, where her father worked as a Dairy farmer. She enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in the country. One of which was as a young girl her father would place her on a horse that he had just trained to ride, so, the owner would see how gentle the horse became. She was dedicated to our Lady of Carmelite, she prayed constantly for family and friends. Holy Rosary Parish was where she was a member and was one of the first members of the Spanish choir. Later, she became a member of St. Mary’s Church downtown. For the last 20 plus years, she has been a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church. She belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America for over 60 years. She was also a member of the Altar Society in each of the parishes. She was always with her cousins and friends, going to mass, church events, theaters, restaurants, movies, playing cards and even taking her cousin who did not travel to Hawaii. She was very creative and artistic. She was known for her beautiful wreaths for all occasions. In school her teachers realized her talent, they had her drawing posters or blackboard illustrations of lessons. In grade school, her art work was entered for a March of Dimes campaign and selected to represent her school at an exhibition of school children’s art work at Edison High School. She knew how to knit, crochet, embroider, and sew. She took classes in floral arrangements, cake decorating, and ceramics. She made beautiful small infant dresses for families who babies were ill, in the hospital. Early on she began working at Woolworths, W.T. Grant’s and Look Optical. She was a great sales person no matter what department or store she worked in. On her first days in housewares, she sold half of the dinnerware merchandise that had not moved in weeks. Even late into her sixties, she loved working at the jewelry and souvenir wagon at River center Mall she became their “Top Salesperson”. She than worked at the Visitors’ Center and Bookstore at San Jose Mission. She married late in life to Angel “Al” Del Rio. They enjoyed time together, as they traveled, visit theme parks, went swimming and were also part of the Institute of Texas Cultures where they provided many displays for exhibits of cultural information. Juanita was a very uplifting person, she loved to dress with “glam” and would often say “get dressed up, put some glitter or bright colors on.” She was very energetic and had a beautiful decorated house. During her life time she had many loving family members who cared for her and she made many lifelong friends. In times of need, she helped many people. The family would like to Thank everyone who was a part of her life. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband Angel Del Rio, father, Melchor Luna Villarreal, her mother, Maria Dominga Guajardo Villarreal, brothers Ramon and Raymond Villarreal. She is survived by her many cousins and friends. The viewing will be at Alamo Funeral Home, 624 N Alamo, SATX, 78215 on Sunday 1:00 to 4:00. Monday May 8, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, services will begin at 9:30, a Rosary at 10:30; Mass at 11:30 than proceeding to Fort Sam Houston Cemetery at 12:45. Church address: Blessed Sacrament Church, 600 Oblate Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78216

Tributes

Juanita Villarreal Del Rio

September 4, 1930 - April 24, 2023