Juanita E. Cortez

Mrs. Juanita Evangelina Cortez, 76, began her journey of eternal rest on September 11, 2023, in Laredo, Texas.

Juanita was born and raised in Laredo, where she graduated from Martin High School in 1965. She often attended the many dances and concerts held at the local civic center. It was at one of these dances she met her future husband, Airman First Class Albert Cortez.

After Albert returned from his deployment to Vietnam, they were wed on May 3, 1969, at Our Lady Guadalupe Catholic Church. They were stationed at Air Force Bases located in North Carolina, Texas, Alaska, Wyoming, the Philippines, California and lastly Louisiana, where they raised their three children.

Juanita worked as a Sales Associate at the jewelry and cosmetic counter with the Army-Air Force Exchange. She was adored by her coworkers and the enlisted personnel, who were known to come look for her anytime they shopped.  She enjoyed her job and although she was there to sell jewelry, she was very proud of the fact that she was known to catch shoplifters from time to time.

She cherished the friendships she developed through the years living as an Airman’s wife; in fact, she maintained close contact with a lot of them through the years.

She retired in 2008 and continued to live in Bossier City, Louisiana until she wanted to “come back home”. After being away for almost 45 years, she relocated back to Laredo in August 2019.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Jose Maria Sanchez and Luz Gonzales Sanchez; son: Miguel Angel Cortez; siblings: Guadalupe S. (Alfredo) Ortiz, Jose Maria (Juanita) Sanchez, Juan Jose (Alicia) Sanchez, Inez Agustin (Leonor) Sanchez and several nieces and nephews.

Left behind to celebrate and cherish her memory are her husband: Albert Cortez; children: Alberto Isaac Cortez, Adriana Laura (Adrian Guzman) Cortez; grandchildren: Elijah (Courtney) Guzman, Josiah Guzman, as well as an extended number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends she met along the way.

The family would like to personally thank Araceli Ramirez, Juanita’s personal caregiver, whom she loved dearly. Thank you, Araceli, for the love and dedication you provided to our wife and mother. The family is also grateful for the personal care and support from Manna Provider Services, Heavenly Nurses, Altus Hospice and the nurses at Laredo Medical Center.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Gamez and Sons Funeral & Cremation Services; 1029 Bob Bullock Loop; Ste. 1; Laredo, TX 78043; 956.701.3459.