A Legacy of Love, Strength, and Faith Juanita Medina Leos was a force of nature, a woman whose love, determination, and faith shaped the lives of her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Born with an independent spirit and an unwavering will, she spent her life working hard, loving deeply, and fighting for her family with everything she had. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply "Grandma" or "Nana." While she wasn't one for warm hugs or flowery words, her love ran deep, expressed in her actions rather than sentiment. She was their protector, their defender, and their biggest advocate. If she thought anyone was treating them unfairly or they needed help, she would step in fearlessly, her strength and resolve an unshakable shield. Juanita was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, which guided her every step. She was a prayer warrior for her family, constantly turning to God for their protection and strength. One of her most treasured prayers was the Prayer of St. Jude, which she often recited with love and intention: *"St. Jude, please shine your light upon my family. Give us strength to overcome all of the difficulties that we are dealing with now and protect us against any and all problems we may encounter in the future. Amen."* Her faith was steadfast, and she found great comfort in the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and, of course, St. Jude. She believed deeply in the power of prayer and knew that her family was covered by God's grace because of her intercessions. Juanita was a hard worker, raising her children with equal parts love and discipline. She taught them the value of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what was right. Her strength and independence were traits her children and grandchildren came to admire most, and she raised a family grounded in those same principles. Her love for her family extended into the kitchen, where she was known for her incredible Thanksgiving dressing and her delicious potato salad. Cooking wasn't just a skill for Juanita; it was a way to gather her family around her, to share stories, laughter, and love over a warm meal. When she wasn't in the kitchen, Juanita's hands were never idle. She had a passion for crafting, especially crocheting, embroidery, and knitting. Her family treasures the sweaters she lovingly created, each stitch a testament to her care. Her talent extended beyond crafts, as she also tended to her indoor plants with the same attention and affection. Among her most cherished plants was an ivy she received at her mother's funeral. Over the years, she nurtured it into a flourishing legacy, sharing cuttings with her children to ensure her mother's memory continued to thrive. Juanita also loved her quiet moments, finding joy in simple pleasures. She had a knack for puzzles on her tablet, especially crosswords and coloring. In her later years, her daughter introduced her to true crime shows, adding a new favorite to her love for Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Shopping was another pastime she enjoyed, even if it was just window shopping. Whether strolling through Home Goods, IKEA, Marshall's, or Walmart, Juanita found joy in exploring the aisles, often inspired by the possibilities they held. Her pets held a special place in her heart. She loved her dog, Bubbles, who recently passed away, and her cat, Smokey, who was a constant companion. Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Trinidad and Trinidad (Flores) Medina; her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Freddie Leos; her daughters, Patricia Ann Leos and Helen Marie Leos; her grandson, Gerardo Sanchez; and her siblings, Bobby Medina, Joe Medina, and Rosemary Arce. She is survived by her loving children, Freddie Leos, Jr., Debra Ann Gonzales and her spouse Felipe Gonzalez, Natalia Louise Martinez and her spouse Alfred Martinez, Jr., and Vanessa Inez Romo and her spouse Amador Romo, Jr.; her grandchildren, Freddie Valentino Sanchez and his spouse Elizabeth Arellano Sanchez, Eduardo Anthony Sanchez and his spouse Joia Sanchez, Benjamin Mathew Sanchez, Elexis Anastasia Sanchez, Jeremiah Alexander Sanchez and his spouse Dominique Sanchez, Eric Garcia, Jr., Jocelyn Inez Martinez, Izaiah Reyes, Joseph Romo, Jordyn Abigail Martinez, Lillian Hope Martinez, Oliveah Reign Gonzales; and her great-grandchildren, Aimee Alyse Sanchez, Helios Xavier Sanchez, Xavier Luciano Lopez, Elsee Gabriel Sanchez, Harley Lynn Sanchez, Kal-El A.B.N. Franco, Ayden Ryan Guzman, and Jionni Alexander Sanchez, Rosalee Elle Sanchez. She is also survived by her siblings, Richard Medina, Ernest Medina, Martha Vidales, and Martin Medina. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, who carry forward her values of resilience, love, and faith. Though she has passed, her spirit remains alive in the memories they share, the lessons she taught, and the ivy plants that continue to grow, each one a living testament to the woman who nurtured them all.