Juanita Gonzalez

Juana “Juanita” Crawford-Gonzalez was a selfless, caring woman who liked to make life good for those around her. She delighted family and friends with her wit and warmth, her generosity and joy. Her lovely smile was characteristic of her fun-loving spirit.

Juanita was born to Pedro and Juanita (Islas) Gonzalez on November 24, 1966 in Yahualica, Jalisco, Mexico. While her mother cared for a growing family at home, Juanita’s father worked as a machinist to support his five children: Lupe, Juanita, Connie, Terry and Ernie.

As with all parents, Juanita’s father and mother wanted the best for their children. So, despite the turbulence of war, inequality and protests in America, the Gonzalez’s made their way to the United States and joined its growing economy. When Juanita was about five or six years old, her family moved to sunny California and put down roots. She went through elementary and secondary school there and completed her education at San Fernando High School. With her big heart and great smile, Juanita made many friends and had good fun.

The more serious side of Juanita could be seen in her caring nature. Over the years, she raised six children—Andy, Nicole, Peter, Reese, David, and Aaron—and worked hard to meet their needs. Given her upbringing, Juanita was a great cook of Mexican cuisine, and her language skills landed her a job as an interpreter with Kalamazoo County when she moved to Michigan.

Michigan became Juanita’s home when she met Lee Crawford in 2001. Lee had traveled to California to visit his son and daughter-in-law, who happened to be Juanita’s sister, Lupe. Their relationship grew from that first meeting, so much so, that Juanita went back with Lee to Michigan that same year, and the two were married on July 24, 2005.

Though not near the ocean, Juanita’s new home offered the beauty of Lake Michigan that she loved to visit. She maintained her favorite pastimes of collecting Victorian dolls, listening to the Oldies, and watching movies and TV shows like Cops and Intervention on A&E.

Juanita really found her niche when she began interpreting for Kalamazoo County in October of 2007. She worked so enthusiastically that she could have been awarded “Employee of the Month” every month.

Juanita’s life and love was cut short when she passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 25, 2009 in Plainwell, Michigan. She was 43 years old.

Juanita Crawford-Gonzalez was preceded in death by her father, Pedro. She is survived by her husband, Lee; six children: Andy, Nicole, Peter, Reese, David and Aaron. She is also survived by her mother, Juanita Islas; three sisters and one brother: Lupe (Lee) Crawford; Connie Hollands; Terry (Chris) Thompson; and Ernie Gonzalez; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

“Even though Juanita is no longer with us, her spirit and love live on in her wonderful children. We will all miss her warm smile and her playful and crazy side.”

Learn more about Juanita, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams. There will be no memorial service.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of Juanita, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the family for her children.