Obituary published on Legacy.com by Castle Ridge Mortuary - West Military Dr. on Sep. 20, 2024.
Juanita Elizabeth Guajardo, affectionately known to many as Lizzie, was a beacon of joy and strength in the lives of those she touched with her vibrant spirit and boundless love. Born on December 6, 1967, in
San Antonio, TX, she embarked on a life journey that would be characterized by her compassionate spirit and unwavering resilience. Lizzie's life was a testament to courage, kindness, and a dedication to the well-being of others. Lizzie's earthly journey concluded in the same city where it began, San Antonio, on September 17, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and care that will forever resonate with her family and friends.
Lizzie, the beloved daughter of Steve M. Guajardo, was ushered into heaven where her mother, Petra N. Guajardo, along with her sister Theresa Louise Coleman, and her brother Steven Michael Guajardo awaited her with open arms. Though siblings in blood, they were lifelong companions in the heart-a bond unbroken by time or dimension. Her life was enriched by the cherished moments with her nephews, nieces, cousins, and a circle of friends who were more like family. They remain to honor her legacy, carrying forward the light of her enduring love.
She was a graduate of John Jay High School and furthered her passion for helping others by becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse, earning her diploma from The Baptist Health System School of Health Professions. She didn't just find a career; she found a purpose, a medium through which her innate compassion could manifest. Lizzie's calling was clear, and she dedicated 15 years of her life to the patients at BMC with a level of empathy that cannot be learned but was etched into the core of who she was. She not only cared for those in need but also mentored the next generation of nurses as a preceptor. Her love for her work was evident in the bonds she formed with patients and colleagues alike.
Life tested Lizzie's strength, yet she met each challenge with a smile and determination that inspired awe. After suffering a stroke, she fought with admirable tenacity to regain her independence, her vision of returning to work a beacon in her recovery. And even when faced with the formidable opponent of pancreatic cancer, Lizzie's spirit never wavered. She continued to embrace each day, absorbing each moment with grace and valor that remained undiminished in the battle she bravely faced.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lizzie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid fan of softball, whether playing or cheering on her favorite teams, the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. Her love for the outdoors was apparent in her enthusiasm for fishing, camping, and lakeside and beach getaways. A sense of adventure propelled her through scenic bicycle rides and spirited casino visits.
Lizzie's creativity shone through in her talent for decorating and crafting, transforming her home into a festive haven for every holiday. She always looked forward to baking pies with her mom. Her mom was her world. She cherished the tradition of driving through neighborhoods to admire Christmas lights, a cup of coffee in hand, as carols played, encapsulating her love for the season's magic. Her presence made each instant richer, every chuckle more infectious. Her laughter was a common sound on her deck as she enjoyed her morning coffee, feeding her cardinals and watching the latest TikTok videos, a testament to her ability to find happiness in the everyday moments.
Lizzie's legacy is punctuated by her courage, humor, and thoughtfulness-a legacy that echoes the words of American poet Maya Angelou, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Lizzie's life, measured in countless breath-taking moments, leaves behind a mosaic of cherished memories and a pattern for living that resonates with vibrant echoes of her laughter and warmth.
Today, as we honor Lizzie's memory, let us not dwell on the loss but be inspired by her example. Let her life be an inspiring chapter in our own, reminding us to face challenges with courage, inject humor into our days, and cherish every moment with loved ones. Juanita Elizabeth Guajardo-Lizzie to those who were fortunate enough to know her, smiled with her, laughed with her, and loved her-stands as a beacon of how to live genuinely and love boundlessly. As we say farewell to Lizzie, let us carry forward the light she brought into this world, illuminating the path for others with the same grace and courage she displayed every day of her remarkable life. She will be remembered and loved always and forever.
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