Juanita Candelaria Gonzales ("Janie") dedicated wife, mother of 3, grandmother of 4 and great-grandmother of 2, and a friend of many. Juanita passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas on January 6, 2024, after a 1-year struggle with cancer.

Juanita was born in 1950 in Sinton, Texas, was the daughter of the late Gilbert Candelaria and Olivia Posas Candelaria. Juanita was the younger sister of the late Manuel Candelaria and Gilbert P. Candelaria, Jr. She graduated from Sinton High School in 1970. Shortly after graduation she met the love of her life, Rene P. Gonzales and they spent 52 years building their family. Subsequently, she worked as a clerk for the County Courthouse for a few years before she decided to become a full-time mother/housewife. Married in 1970, Rene and Juanita welcomed their 2 daughters, Leticia in 1971, Damiana in 1974 and their son, Rene Gonzales, Jr. in 1980. The young family relocated to McAllen, Texas in 1983 and have been there ever since.

Juanita is survived by her sister, Norma Ortiz. She is survived by her loving husband, Rene; her children Leticia Gonzales-Echt (Michael B. Echt), Damiana "Diamond" McMahan (Ryan McMahan), her grandchildren Tristan Ramirez, Trey Ramirez, Nicholas Gonzales, Carson Echt and as well as her great-grandchildren, Kora Reneé Gonzales and Mason Mata.

With her family she enjoyed fishing, walking the beach, water aerobics, playing card games, and family gatherings. She found much pleasure in reading her Bible and traveling to visit her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made time to show up for her grandchildren's school events and was a "Big Fan" in supporting their sports and cheering them on. There are nieces and nephews and extended family that will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Richea-Gonzales Funeral Home, 120 S. McCall Ave, Sinton, Texas 78387. The Viewing will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The service will be at 1:00 PM. The family would like to thank the Hospice team of Guiding Light in San Antonio, Texas for their compassionate care during Juanita's illness.

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