Juanita Quirino

Obituary- Juanita M. Quirino

Juanita M. Quirino, 76, passed away peacefully in her home on June 17, 2022. She was born on June 27, 1945, in Eagle Pass, Texas and moved to San Antonio with her family as a child.

Juanita, also lovingly known as “Janie,” was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She was married to the love of her life, Angel J. Quirino; they recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on June 15, 2022. Juanita and Angel were blessed with three children, Angel Quirino, Jr. (Cathy Quirino), Sonia Quirino Canales (Michael Canales), and Maritza Quirino. She is survived by her grandchildren Araceli Sol Barrera, Olivia Belén Canales, Joseph Canales, Joshua Canales, Alexandra Hernandez, Graison Hernandez and numerous great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Maria Gloria, Angela Bocanegra (Raul Bocanegra), Rosalie Martinez and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Carlos F. Martinez and Enriqueta Martinez as well as her brothers Carlos Martinez, Enrique Martinez and Ricardo Martinez.

Juanita graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1963 and started her career at Kelly Air Force Base, working Civil Service as a scheduling clerk. She later achieved her dream and became a Texas Master Florist and owned a flower shop, Q’s House of Flowers & Gifts. For 15 years she was the neighborhood florist and had the honor of decorating San Fernando Cathedral for the papal visit of St. Pope John Paul II in 1987. Juanita was also a musician and owned and managed Mariachi Gala. Together with her husband and daughter and other musicians whom she loved, she proudly and joyfully entertained families with mariachi music for all occasions.

Juanita was a longtime and faithful parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church for 53 years. She served her parish as a member and as the Choir Director of the Coro Mexicano, not only serving through music during the Sunday masses, but also for countless weddings, funerals, rosaries and quinceañeras. She was also a matlachin, offering her love through dance to the Virgen de Guadalupe.

Juanita once shared that she felt her purpose in life was to bring people joy through flowers and music. In her last days, she brought her family joy through her smile, hugs and kisses. She will be greatly missed.