M. Juanita Malinich

M. Juanita Malinich
formerly of Binghamton & Vestal
M. Juanita Malinich, formerly of Binghamton and Vestal, NY, died at her home in Hurlock, MD, on August 2, 2009, at the age of 90. Born December 1, 1918 in Clinton, IN, she was the daughter of the late David Rivera and Clara Walraven Rivera. She is survived by four loving children, Donna J. Ross and her husband, Donald of Glen Aubrey, NY, Wallace R. Baker and his wife, Pam of Ironton, MO, Darlene J. Malinich of Hurlock, MD and Tamarra A. Hill and her husband, Early of Cumming, GA; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack Rivera of LaMarque, TX and many nieces and nephews; a very special life long friend, Millie Juncer; and pet, furry friend Kitkat. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Malinich, who died September 9, 2006; two brothers Wendall Rivera and Lloyd Rivera; and granddaughter, Tracy Ross. She was raised in Clinton, IN and Waukegan, IL; working at Abbott Pharmaceutical Company in Waukegan during the early years of WWII. She met Walter when he was stationed in the US Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Training Base and they were married on December 23, 1944. They began their married life in Binghamton where she enjoyed a career at Link Aviation and later with IBM. She had a love of swimming, golfing, bowling, dancing and traveling; but there was no greater love than the love of her family. Juanita reached out to anyone in need, always rooting for the underdog and always the consummate friend. Her quiet acts of kindness were so vast, only she knew about them all and never felt the desire to share them. She was beautiful both on the inside and outside; tough but fair; small but VERY mighty. She taught many to drive a car, ride a bike or swim. She was honest, reliable and responsible and consistently led by example. Upon retiring from IBM in 1984, she and Walter moved to Clermont, FL where they were able to enjoy the next 20 years golfing, traveling and visiting children and grandchildren in Georgia, Maryland and back to New York. Family and friends alike, enjoyed listening to her stories about the "war years" and never tired of hearing her sing the old songs of years past. She leaves an unmistakable legacy to her family and friends and a wisdom and love that will endure for generations.
Funeral services were held on August 10, 2009 at Maryland Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Beulah. Douglas Albert, pastor for Coastal Hospice, officiated. Walter's and Juanita's remains were interred together at the Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Juanita to the Humane Society of Dorchester County, 4390 Bucktown Road, Cambridge, MD 21613. Arrangements were made by Zeller Funeral Home, East New Market, MD.