Born in Los Angeles, Juanita had polio at a very young age. Surviving that experience shaped the rest of her life; she was strong, determined, and proud. Juanita graduated from high school at 15 and then studied piano at Oberlin College. After that, she completed Business School and worked in Columbus, Ohio, where she observed Clair in a restaurant and knew immediately she wanted to meet him. They lived in Ohio, including Columbus and Upper Sandusky, and even for a time in Mexico City.
Juanita worked for 32 years as a bookkeeper, retiring in 1979 after missing only one day of work because of a broken ankle. She always said she worked so that her children could graduate from college. For the next 32 years after her work life, she played in Saratoga Springs, making friends, volunteering, changing lives, sharing her lifelong love of preparing and enjoying tasty food. She often referred to those early Saratoga County Arts Council years, remembering the three flights of stairs to get to the tiny office. In addition, she served on the board for the Saratoga YMCA, was Treasurer for NAACP of Saratoga, volunteered at the Dance Museum, started both a video/DVD lending library and a yoga class at Embury Apartments on the Wesley campus, and frequented SPAC, especially to see Dave Brubeck. Always loving a party, the highlight of her life in Saratoga was her 90th birthday celebration attended by over 100 friends. “It’s been a long journey. I have had a great life,” was one of her last comments.
There will be no calling hours and burial will be in Ohio at the convenience of the family.
Memorials in Juanita's name may be made to Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Wesley Health Care Center, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
Online remembrances can be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
