Juanita Maria Harvey
April 27, 1932 - June 16, 2008
Obituary
Juanita Maria Sales Harvey was born April 27, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the oldest of five children born to Jose and Wilda Sales. Being the oldest, Juanita took great pride in looking after her siblings. When their mother got sick, she never complained about the extra responsibility of caring for her brothers and sisters. She saw this, not as a burden, but as a joy and an honor. Her siblings had great respect for her and knew that ‘Nita’ was always there if they ever needed her. Juanita attended school in the South Side of Chicago including St. Anselm’s Grammar School and St. Elizabeth’s High School where she graduated in 1950. On June 21, 1952, she married Earl Harvey who has been her dearest friend, love, and soulmate.
In 1954, Earl and Juanita moved to the Philippines where Earl was stationed in the Navy. For three amazing years, their life in the Philippines was filled with wonderful adventures and new experiences. It was here that they began their family with Michael and Stephen and developed a lifelong friendship with their compadres, Gregorio and Flora, whom they still keep in touch with today.
In 1957, after moving from the Philippines to Los Angeles, Juanita began a new chapter in her life. She kept herself very busy being a phenomenal mother to her growing family, staying very active in her church, and being a role model for everyone who had the gift of knowing her. She opened her home and heart to everyone, greeting them with a welcoming smile and a huge hug.
Juanita was a well known, dedicated parishioner at Mother of Sorrows and later at St. Michael’s Parish in Los Angeles. She was very involved in her Block Club meetings as well as the Neighborhood Watch Program. She enthusiastically participated in various church activities such as Choir, CCD classes, Marriage Encounter, bible study, and St. Patrick’s Day dances.
In 1990, Juanita and Earl moved to Kent, WA with their youngest daughter, Teresa, and continued her work as a devoted member of St. Philomena’s parish. There, Juanita served as a Eucharistic Minister and helped her community by making and serving meatloaf sandwiches each month to the homeless through St. Martin de Porres in Seattle.
Juanita was an avid reader and loved mystery novels. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing solitaire, and cooking! Most people who
really knew Juanita can remember those home cooked meals, wonderful desserts, or some other delicious treats that can make their mouths water at the very thought! She was also extremely creative through her craft projects, school projects, drawing, and sewing her children’s Halloween costumes…her creations often winning school costume contests.
There is no doubt that Juanita lived life to the fullest! She enjoyed traveling to places like Canada, Hawaii, Chicago, Boston, Cancun, and don’t forget VEGAS…she loved Nickel Poker! But it was time spent with family that was the fabric of her life. Juanita found great joy in spending quality time with her grandchildren and had a gift of making each one of them feel uniquely loved. She thrived on family gatherings during the holidays often being the first one to pose the question, ‘So what are we going to do for Easter/Thanksgiving/Christmas?’ Family was always very important to Juanita. Her nieces and nephews remember always being included in family trips to places like the beach, amusement parks, the swap meet, and especially the movies. Of all of her gifts and talents, it was her family that was her true passion.
Juanita leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Earl; children: Michael Renee Harvey, Stephen Karen Harvey, Maria Rodney Swayne, Lawrence Cathy Harvey, Mark Zena Harvey, Angela Ray Coopwood, and Teresa Harvey; two sisters: Aurelia Randall of Norwalk, CA and Paulita Rucker of Federal Way, WA; one brother: Jose Terry Sales of Kent, WA; nineteen grandchildren: Jason Kashira Harvey, Valerie Swayne, Jennifer Harvey, Steven Harvey, Brian Harvey, Kevin Megumi Coopwood, Martin Coopwood, David Harvey, Heather Harvey, Michelle Coopwood, Andrew Harvey, Vincent Swayne, Candace Harvey, Daniel Coopwood, Nicole Swayne, Christopher Harvey, and Christina Harvey; one aunt, Fanny Smith of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Juanita is preceded in death by her mother in 1960 and father in 1970; brother, Antonio, in 1983; two children: Joseph in 1953 and Mary Catherine in 1956; and grandson, Joseph Harvey, in 1996. She will be remembered for her kindness, her wisdom, her love, and most certainly, her peach cobblers!
Juanita’s family will celebrate her amazing life at a Memorial Service on July 11th at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Hi Auntie–Was just sitting here thinking about you. Wanted to let you know how much I love and miss you.
Hi mom, Happy Mother’s Day. I miss you. Thanks for watching over our families. Love Mark
Hi Mom,
Happy Mothers’ Day,
How did you get to be such a great mom? This is a very difficult job…can I resign…I do such a lousy job of it. Today is not a good day for me. Help me get through it. It seemed like just yesterday we were blowing out my straw candles for my birthday at the hospital. I miss you so much and wish you were here to tell me that things will work out. Can I just run away? I know you’ll say that would not work. Send me the strength to ignore the insanity in my life. Love you always.
Happy Birthday Mom. The time is going so fast. Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday. Thank you for the gift last night. I really enjoyed our talk we had in my dream. Yes,I know you are always by my side. I know that the dreams is your way of being with me and I love you soooo much for that. Happy Birthday again and I’ll talk to you soonin my next dream. Love always, Angela
Hi Mom,
I know you enjoyed Easter. I won’t let the family traditions stop. No matter what craziness is going on I promise I will get the family together on the main holidays.Thank you for fixing our hearts and bringing all together in love. I really missed Teresa and Dad not being her though.See what you can dolol!and i will continue praying to God. I love you and miss you!!!
Always, Angela
Hi Mom, Thank you so much for holding Melody in your loving embrace all this time.I miss you so,so, very much it hurts.i am really trying to be happy but it’s hard. i know you come to me all the time in my dreams & is here with us all the time but, sometimes it not enough. i talk to you all the time but i thought if i write you i would feel you here with me even more. i wish i could just kiss & hug you again. I know i will someday but until then please continue being with all of us & holding us in your loving embrace. I do feel you.
Love always, Angela
Dear Auntie,
Today is Thanksgiving and I can’t help but to think of you and miss you. I know you will be here with us looking over our shoulders as we cook, whispering in our ears ways to make our dishes better, holding hands with us as we say the blessing, and wrapping us all in the warmth of your love.
I love you auntie and miss you. I think of you everyday. Please kiss Joseph and Uncle Terry for me and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving too.
Love,
Vicki
Dear Auntie,
I am thinking about you so much today. I can hardly believe it has been a year. I hear your voice, I can hear your laugh amongst us when we are cracking up, and I can feel your presence…as though you’re here. I miss you so much. Mia still remembers your face. She wished you a happy Mother’s Day and a Happy Birthday when those days rolled around this past year. Michele was in Starmites, I celebrated my graduation from grad school, and Mia is just talking up a storm. Although I know you know all of this…I’m sure you’ve been there every step of the way. Well, I’ll write again soon. Wishing all those who are missing you too peace and love…
Dear Auntie,
It’s been hard lately. As you know your birthday and Mother’s Day always fall close together. As all of us think of you all of the time, we are especially thinking of you now. This morning, Mia woke up and I told her that it was Mother’s Day. I told her that she had to say “Happy Mother’s Day” to all the mommies she knew. So she said, “Happy Mother’s Day Mommy!” And then I asked her who were some other mommies she knew. She said, “Auntie Lisa”. I said “Very good!” Then she said, “and Uncle Denny.” I said, “Noooo. He’s not a mommy!” We laughed. Then she looked around my room and said, “How about that one?” pointing to your picture. I said, “Yes, Auntie Nita is a Mommy.” She said, “Happy Mother’s Day Auntie Nita!” :
So, from Mia and me, Happy Mother’s Day Auntie. We miss you! And we wish all of those who are missing you peace and love. I know they can feel your love wrapped very tightly around them anyway…
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND TO A PHENOMINAL WOMAN!
Hi Auntie,
You and Uncle Terry have been in my thoughts and so I thought this would be my way of communicating back. I need your help with my mom, so let her feel your presence as well! Share your zest and determination for life with her. You are so strong that in times of sadness I can feel your drive and motivation to move on. Thanks for being there not only for your own husband,children,siblings, but for all of your other family members and friends. We miss your physical presence but I for one can still feel your spirit. Please continue to watch over us all and keep us in your prayers.
Love,
Diane
Hi Mom,
Wish you were here so I can share my good news with you. Everything turned out just fine… like you said in my dreams. Thanks for never leaving me… even when I need you the most. I miss you terribly…but I know that you have a better life now with God. Give Joe a hug and kiss for me for his 30th Birthday. Love you two so much.
Grandma,
I know you are here with me and the family. You are constantly there with me. You keep showing me signs that you are with me and making sure I am safe! I have a feeling that you are telling me to slow down in life. Since your passing I have gotten two speeding tickets, I have never had a speeding ticket. So Grandma I thank you for constantly being with me and I know you will never leave me! I love you and I will see you again someday in Heaven!
XOXOXO
LOVE YOU GRANDMA!
Dear Mom,
I can’t believe two months have passed. It seems like time has just stopped.I’ve been wanting to write you but it’s been really hard because you are not only my beautiful and loving Mom; but, my Best Friend. I miss you so very, very much my heart hurts all the time. It seems like it was just yesterday I was seating next to you holding your hand.Although your physical body is not here,I know with all my heart that you are still here with me holding my hand.Just like you told me on my special gift that I wear everyday,”I will always be at your side”. I can feel your presence with me everyday. Although my heart is very fragile, I know that “I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me.” Philippians 4:13 So with God’s help I will be okay.
I love and miss you!!!
Always in my heart,
Angela
Grand-mommy,
Sorry it took me so long to do this, but i really wanted to say something meaningful and from the heart, not just i love you, and you’re in a better place, because you already know these things. I want to let you know that I look up to. You are the strongest woman I have ever met in my life and no one will ever fill that space. You kept this family together through the good times and bad, and now we must do our best to keep the Harvey family going strong. Please watch over the family, you and joey are my guadian angels. It may sound corny but whenever i pass a Costco’s Market, eat a meatloaf sandwich, or a belgian waffle, i think of you! = i love you always Grand-mommy.
Candace
She will be greatly missed, especially during holidays and special days of the year. Mr. Harvey, we will continue to pray, love and support you through it all.
God be with you and the family.
The Edwards Joseph and Treza
P.S. We will see you all at the Memorial Service.
This is so hard to do, I mourn this great loss daily. Auntie Nita you were the Rock of the family- the one who every one came to when they neede a place to stay, conversation or just a cup of coffee.- I miss you
Your God Son Phillip
The Harvey Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother.
God sent His Angels to take her home to be with Him for all eternity
Mr.Earl Harvey and Family
In Your Time of Loss
You are surrounded by love and caring, yet the loss you feel is yours alone. Many care for you deeply. They hurt with you. Yet they often feel helpless. Know that God is with you in your hurting time. He will minister to your deepest needs. By His Spirit He will give you the comfort, peace, and assurance so sorely sought for in your life. And although you may not always feel His presence, He is truly there. Please let your family, friends, and loved ones minister to you. Accept the blessings that they wish to give you at this time. As you look back, you will appreciate their comforting efforts. Others understand tears. They have shed tears themselves. May you know peace and most of all love, in your time of loss.
Mrs. Nealie Wheaton
and Family
To the Harvey Family
When I was a little girl, Mrs. Harvey kept me while my mother, Nealie worked. At that time we lived near the Harvey family in Los Angeles, CA. We moved away in 1968, but my mother kept in touch with Mr. and Mrs. Harvey with Christmas Holiday cards.
May you find comfort in knowing the Lord is near to carry you through during your time of loss.
With Deepest Sympathy
Mrs. Monica Wheaton-Howell
My prayer are with Earl and family. I looked forward to her cards on Holidays an birthdays ect. We will miss Juanita with love. St Michael;s Church. Bernice Chapman
ALWAYZ
Wether you smiled or frowned
I’ve always loved you
presents or no presents
I’ve always loved you
Laughed or cried
I’ve always loved you
here or there
I’ve always loved you
Alive or gone
I will Alwayz love you
Love you Grandma. Love alwayz
David J Harvey
Uncle Earl,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Even though we lost an angel on earth she is still watching over all of us. Auntie Nita was greatly loved and she will always be missed, but it is good to know that she is in a better place. I love you and stay strong!
Earl and Family, just wanted to let you know how sad I am to have learned of Juanitia’s death. I really enjoyed meeting her and you Earl and getting to know you both over the years at St. Martin De Porres Shelter as we worked together at on St. Philomena’s 2nd Friday night. I giving out sandwiches, while you gave out milk and supplies. It hasn’t been the same since you had to stop coming. I miss you both a lot. I remember so fondly all the treats you and Juanita used to bring the men cupcakes, candy, etc. to give them something special besides the milk. Juanita was an especially good person and I’ll miss her a lot. I’ll pray 15 rosaries for her intention and that of you Earl and the rest of your family in this time of grief for you.
Take care of yourself.
Andre Bouffard
Hello All!
I just wanted to start off by letting you know that my prayers go out to you. I know that this is a trying time and your mind may be a bit clouded and you all are feeling the pain of loss, but don’t let this deter you from the Lord you all know and love. Don’t you know that if you believe with all your heart, God will work out the rest? Remember the tears you shed. Remember the feelings you feel. Because when the tears stop and the pain is lessened, you’ll look back on this moment and be like, “Wow. I got through it.” God knows your strength. Trust in Him with all your heart, and every thing will be okay.
Blessings & Love,
Chris :
Dear Mom,
Thankyou for all your unconditional love and care throughout the years for myself and my family. You are my hero. You gave so much to your family without any regards to your own wants and needs. Thanks for staying home to care for all your children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. Thanks for teaching me to strive to pursue my dreams, ambitions, and goals. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to tell you goodbye but I promise to adhere to the standards you gave me. I miss you tremendously. Love, your baby boy, Mark
Angela & The Harvey Family,
We would like send our condolences to you all. Your mother was a wonderful person, she instilled family values in her family and it is evident in all you. She always welcomed us to family events with a warm smile and a big hug. She no longer has to endure hospitals, tests, pills and treatments. We will miss her too. Heaven has received an angel!
The Ducree Family Reggie, Tommie, Christian, Marcel
To my dear family the Harveys,
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15. Your mother has definitely joined in the ranks. Pick up the mantle and carry on her legacy. My love to you all.
To the Havrvey Family,
I truly understand te loss of such a great person,mother,and friend. May God give you the stength of heart and spirit to endure this time of great loss. Continue to hold on to the memories of your loved one,close to your heart. She will be with you always.
God Bless and keep you
Dear Mark and Zena and the Harvey Family,
There are no words that can ease the pain of your tremendous loss and so we embrace you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you and keep you close during this difficult time.
God Bless You,
Lynette & Mark
Dear Uncle Earl and Cousins,
I will always remember Auntie Nita’s warm smile and loving welcome whenever I came by. I have always admired how close and loving your family was. I have very fond memories of the years that I lived in CA and the many times I enjoyed spending time with Auntie Nita and all of you. You all are in my prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Chris
Grandma,
As each day passes with you not here physically I feel your comfortating presence spirtitually! I am getting stronger and stronger each and everyday it’s just so hard to believe that you are really gone! But I know you are always going to be in my heart right there, right by my side, through the good times and bad times! I’ve done my crying and I know you would not want me to cry…but I truely miss you…but I have to stay strong for you because you are in a better place! I will miss you being around because you were full of smiles and love…i love you so very much! hugs and kisses
Love Always and Forever,
Michelle
Dear Harvey family
thinking of you at this time of sorrow,we know our words can’t take away your sense of loss,but we hop that or caring will help to give you strength..much Love to all
Sincerely
Joe and Sandy White & family
To Mark and the Harvey Family, may god bless you and keep you strong during the loss. She is in a beautiful and peacuful place, where she will watch over you. God bless.
dear grandma,
i love u and i kno ur at a better place…. imma stay strong 4 u thank u for everthing….
Dear Auntie Nita-
Thank you for taking care of us. I will remember how you always had string cheese for me when you picked me up from school or you made Uncle Earl bring it. I liked when you played dominos with me. I’m sad that you are gone and I love you alot. Noah
Dad,
I pray that God will give us the eyes to see beyond the clouds of earth, into the glory of heaven,and peace that comes from knowing that Mom is there in His arms.
To those who loved and cherished Mrs. Harvey in life….my deepest condolence.
Now celebrate her way to heaven where God is waiting to thank her for all the wonderful things she acomplished while on Earth.
God Bless Mrs. Harvey.
To the Harvey Family:
We embrace you in your time of sorrow and pray for your ease during this difficult time. God loves you.
God Bless You,
Love Always,
Diane Flemming and the Flemming Family
Nita was not here by chance, but by God’s choosing. He compared her to no one else. She was one of a kind. Nita lacked nothing that God’s grace cannot give us. He allowed her to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation. To God be the glory! We love you Nita!
Love,
Brother Ralph Brown and Sister Phyllis Brown Aunt Phyllis
To Steve and Karen,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. I remember meeting her once, maybe twice and your folks’ home was very welcoming to all.I lost you for the longest time, it is a weird way to find you – by reading an obituary but I am glad to find you again. Your beautiful son and daughter must be quite grown by now. Last time I saw you, your home was in Ontario… Where are you now? I am still an RT 32 years and teacher at East L.A. College 25 years and plan to work another year or two. I am a great grandma already! I hope you will get in touch with me when you have a moment… My work number is 626-307-2112 at Garfield Med. Ctr., no one answers it but me if you care to call. I’m part time there, a Supervisor for their NICU. God bless you and the entire family during this difficult time. I hope to hear from you Steve! Love, Anne
Auntie,
I decided to write a poem for you. In tribute of my dear, sweet Auntie Nita…I miss you so.
“If I close my eyes,
I can hear you.
‘Hi pretty girl’ you would say each time you greeted our newest addition.
If I close my eyes,
I can feel you.
A hug and a kiss to greet me and to send me on my way.
If I close my eyes,
I can see you.
Sweet eyes smiling. A devilish grin when you slyly said something to make us laugh.
If I close my eyes,
I can remember your cooking.
Perfectly seasoned peaches mingling with the flaky crust. Just right!
And when I open my eyes, although sometimes tearful,
I smile.
Knowing that it is these memories that keep you close to me.
It is these memories that keep you close to all of us.
And it is these memories that I will pass on to the littlest one
To cherish, to honor, to celebrate.
These memories will make her smile as they have made me smile, as they will always make me smile…
And I know that she will pass them on too.”
These memories remind me that you are never far. We love you Auntie…I know you are always with us.
I will miss my dearest sister more than words can express. We were very close and even when she became very sick, she always said, “I’m fine”. She was truly a warrior and I truly miss my sister and dearest friend. I will always remember fondest memories of us growing up and always her kindness to me when I really needed it. I love you and I’m going to miss you so much. God will always be with you and now you can rest.
My prayers are with the family of Juanita. God Bless
Love You All
Leslie Palmer and Family
Dear Earl and Family,
My prayers and sympathy accompany you as you commend Nita into God’s eternal care. Even before reading Juanita’s obituary I wrote the following reflections: Nita reached out with inclusive love to all. I remember Nita’s generous service to me and the people of St. Michael’s Parish in Los Angeles. I remember the warm feelings I experienced in her home amidst a loving family.
Thank you for including me in your family’s joys and sorrows since we met at St. Michael’s. You remain in my thoughts and prayers
Sister Sharon Fritsch
While I only met Auntie Nita once, I have fond memories of her Peach Cobbler and her strong connection to her family. Auntie Nita’s niece Victoria Rucker has shared many stories of Auntie Nita’s love, commitment and compassion. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kent Koth
Mom we will miss you very much. Thank-you for being the sweet and wonderful person you were. We all learned so much from just being in your presence. Your continued guidance and kindness will follow us all throughout our lives. You are a very special part of our lives and hold a very special place in our hearts. We will miss you tremendously!
I’m so very sorry for you loss. I will continue to pray for all of you especially Mr. Harvey. We will continue to pray for the Havery family.
Johnnie and Trena Moore
As a child I can remember going to Easter Egg Hunts over Auntie Nita and Uncle Earl’s house in Los Angeles, oh what fun! As a close friend to the Mason Family, Andrea Mason’s brother Uncle Earl and his wife Auntie Nita were truly a treasured and loving couple whom I will always remember.
To the Harvey Children may you cherish the memories of your loving mother and take comfort in knowing she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Auntie Nita God bless you. Your love for family is what I remember the mostoh the family gathering!!!!!. My prayers are with your family and may God bless each of them. Uncle Earl big hugs and comfort to you.