1948-2020
Juanita Ann Lopez, known to friends and family as “Jo”, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020, surrounded by her loving family at home in Phoenix, Arizona. Jo was the oldest child of five born on a ranch in St. Johns, Arizona, on May 4, 1948. Jo is preceded in death by her mother Martha Casey, father Walter Florence, brother Walter Florence Jr., and sister Beverly Casey. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Manuel J. Lopez, daughters Lisa Menona (Vince) and Natalie Lopez Quaranta, and son Mark Lopez (Annmarie). She is also survived by her brother Tom Florence and sister Pat Carney (John). She was a very proud and amazing grandmother to Danielle Menona, Lauren McDade (Zach), Braden Lopez, Taylor Lopez, and Alexa Lopez. She loved making holidays special for her grandkids, treating them to Easter egg scavenger hunts, baskets full of goodies, and epic personalized Christmas stockings, to name a few. Jo spent her childhood growing up in St. Johns, Arizona. She later moved with her family to Phoenix, where she attended Phoenix Union High School. It was during this time she met Manuel at a Catholic Youth Organization event and they wed on April 9, 1965. They went on to have three children and were actively involved in their schooling and sporting events. Jo taught Catechism classes, attended everyone of her kids’ athletic events, and cooked up hundreds of batches of green chile for St. Mary’s Moms and Dads Club fundraisers. She worked as an administrative assistant in the Madison School District before retiring after 24 years of service. She was a very hard, impressively organized worker who befriended everyone in the District office. Jo loved people and socializing. She was a talented cook and never failed to reach out and invite people over for a home-cooked meal. She loved music, dancing, Chardonnay, and going to the casino (where she would ALWAYS end up winning!). She was the embodiment of hospitality, generosity and was beloved by everyone she met. Jo may be physically gone but will forever live in our hearts.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 29, 2020 at 10:00 A.M., with Rosary Prayers at 10:30 A.M. and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, at 3801 E. Greenway Rd. in Phoenix. All services will be open to the public but limited to 270 people per CDC guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. To best protect the health of those in attendance, please wear a face mask. Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Margie and brothers Martin and Victor
Please know that I feel your sorrowful loss, and I accompany you in your grief.
Annette Grosso
My condolences go to the family. I worked with Jo in the Madison District. She was always kind to me, professional, and willing to help this new school secretary. May she Rest In Peace.
Tencha Saucedo
My deepest condolences to Manny and his family. Went to high school with her and knew her through our spouses’ job.
Alice Trujillo Hayden
Manual, I am so sorry for Juanita’s passing. I know how dear you were to each other and how much she loved you all your married life. How lucky you were to share life with her. I feel blessed to have known you for so many years and to have seen you most recently at St. Mary’s.
Orlando and Virgina Chavez
Manual, we are so sorry for the your loss. We are here for you.
Eleanor Conchos Camarena
My Condolences of the loss of a very beautiful women inside and out. Her love and memories will be forever remembered by all who Loved her.
Maria Guerrero
My sincere sympathy in the passing of Jo Lopez……..I worked in the Madison District….and always enjoyed seeing or talking to her ……..she was a beautiful soul……….rest in peace
Terry Martinez
My deepest condolences to Manny and his family. Prayers for the entire family.
Charles n Michele Barreras
Manny u have our deepest sympathy for ur loss. We know how much Jo meant to u n ur entire family.
Elizabeth Gonzales ( Lizzie Conchos)
Nino Manuel and cousin Lisa May the care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences To the family. RIP A beautiful woman Nina Juanita Lopez.
Kristi Ramirez
What an incredible woman, mother, and wife, Jojo served as a prime example. To Manny, Lisa, Mark, and Natalie, my heartfelt condolences to you all. I will never forget the SM games, ASU games, and the PD moments. I have very fond memories that are everlasting. May the Holy Spirit be with you during this difficult time.
Mac and Bunny Rafferty
We are so sad for your loss. Prayers for your entire family. JoJo will be missed but never forgotten.
Richard & Priscilla Gonzales
Manuel and family, our deepest condolences. Jojo was a beautiful person always had a smile on her face, always made us feel welcomed. She truly will be missed. We are sorry we will not be able attend her service but our thoughts and prayers will be you on this day. With all our love Richard and Priscilla
Kay Coleman
Dear Manny and Family, Please accept my deep condolences. Jo was my Administrative Assistant in Madison. I watched first hand her love of family and you kids and grandkids as we worked so hard to support the learning of the boys and girls in our school district. I know you all have wonderful memories and I wish you well in this time of grief and celebration of her life. Love to you all.
Pam Santesteban
Dearest Manny and Family , Sending prayers of comfort as you suffer the loss of your beloved Jo. She so loved you, Manny, her children , grandchildren & family members. I was honored to work with Jo in the Madison School District in her role as Administrative Assistant. I will celebrate her life with you in spirit and prayer from afar in Denver. In deepest sympathy, Pam Santesteban
Nicolas Aragon Jr
Manuel, my deepest sympathies for the loss of you beautiful wife. Jo was such a joy to be around.