Obituary for Juanita Leandry
Juanita Laracuente-Leandry was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on November 5,1943. She was one of 13 children from the late Luis Laracuente and Josephine Ruiz.
She came from very humble beginnings. From an early age she learned that el “trabajo no mata a nadie”, in other words, “hard work doesn’t kill anyone!
In 1960, Juanita met the man of her dreams, Manuel Leandry aka Ismael. As a result of their blissful union, they produced four beautiful children, Manuel (Manny), Madeline, Eugenio, and Juana.
In 1974, Juanita arrived in The Bronx to pursue life for her and her family. She worked as a talented seamstress for many years. On March 13, 1989, her beloved husband passed unexpectedly which left the family devastated. In her grief, Juanita knew that somehow she had to pulled herself and her family together, and did it with such grace and humility.
She was an excellent cook and took pride in her work. She was known as the “Queen of Pasteles”. She worked hard to support her family by selling her prized Pasteles, and put her youngest daughter through college. In the neighborhood, everyone knew of her delicious and savory dishes such as her Arroz con Gandules, Pernil(Roast Pork), Alcapurias, Pastelon, Relleno de Papas, and let’s not forget the Coquito!
Juanita was a woman of great faith. She prayed the Rosary everyday. Although she could no longer attend church physically, she prayed to the Three Kings as part of her way of life. She never compromised in her faith and what she believed in.
Juanita leaves behind to grieve her beloved sisters Hilda and Margarita. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and a host of friends.
She came from very humble beginnings. From an early age she learned that el “trabajo no mata a nadie”, in other words, “hard work doesn’t kill anyone!
In 1960, Juanita met the man of her dreams, Manuel Leandry aka Ismael. As a result of their blissful union, they produced four beautiful children, Manuel (Manny), Madeline, Eugenio, and Juana.
In 1974, Juanita arrived in The Bronx to pursue life for her and her family. She worked as a talented seamstress for many years. On March 13, 1989, her beloved husband passed unexpectedly which left the family devastated. In her grief, Juanita knew that somehow she had to pulled herself and her family together, and did it with such grace and humility.
She was an excellent cook and took pride in her work. She was known as the “Queen of Pasteles”. She worked hard to support her family by selling her prized Pasteles, and put her youngest daughter through college. In the neighborhood, everyone knew of her delicious and savory dishes such as her Arroz con Gandules, Pernil(Roast Pork), Alcapurias, Pastelon, Relleno de Papas, and let’s not forget the Coquito!
Juanita was a woman of great faith. She prayed the Rosary everyday. Although she could no longer attend church physically, she prayed to the Three Kings as part of her way of life. She never compromised in her faith and what she believed in.
Juanita leaves behind to grieve her beloved sisters Hilda and Margarita. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and a host of friends.