Juanita Josephine Hunstable

Juanita Josephine Konderla completed her life journey and peacefully left this world early in the morning of October 14, 2021, her hands held in the loving embrace of her daughters, Nita and Amy. She had just turned 88 years old. Juanita began her life as the third child of Joseph Rudolph Konderla and Janie Pauline Handlin Konderla on October 9, 1933, She had six beloved siblings Mary, Edward, David, Robert, Nancy and Joseph. Nita was an incredibly bright child, and after skipping several grades, she graduated from St. Edwards Academy at the age of 16. The nuns at Our Lady of Victory College, in Dallas, welcomed Nita with a one-year scholarship, where she used her gift of writing in the school newsletter. She then left college to marry the love of her life, Fred Mortimer Hunstable, on April 20, 1952, at St. Augustine Church in Dallas, TX. Nita and Fred quickly welcomed sons, Fred, Steven and Paul, before the birth of their first daughter, Juanita Marie. Soon, Mark and Eric made their appearance, followed by Kathleen and Greg. After moving to Arlington, TX, two more children graced their home, Amy and Patrick. It was a busy and full life in their bustling household. Juanita was a long-time member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, which many of the children attended. As Juanita always had a strong faith, a Catholic education was very important to her. Juanita welcomed many others into their large and loving family, embracing stray children as others would welcome stray animals. She would never turn anyone away. As the children grew up and moved off, with many starting families of their own, Nita continued to care for her loved ones who needed her: her children and many grandchildren, her aging parents and many other members of her church community. Nita was a hospice volunteer and Eucharistic Minister, visiting those who were ill and bringing them Communion. She worked various part-time jobs along with caring for a terminally ill friend's spouse and her beloved sister, Mary. She devoted her life to one of service and love, trying to comfort those around her. Gradually, the house filled up once again with the happy shouts of grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren. She continued her most important role as a loving Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma. Juanita's precious and very loved family includes her sons and daughters-in-love: Fred (Candy), Stephen (Sharon), Paul (Linda), Mark, who preceded her in death, Eric, Greg (Babette) and Patrick; her daughters and her sons-in-love: Juanita (Jerry) (Rick - preceded in death), Kathleen (Randy), and Amy; her grandsons: Brad (April), Nathan (Holly), Tony (Kelli), Kyle (Karla), Travis, Kevin (Heather) and her granddaughters Ashlee (Eric), Stephanie (Kyle), Stacey (Delfino), Nicole (Jose), Taryn (Dan), Amanda (Josh), Rachael, Katharine, Tiffany (John), Christina (preceded in death); great-grandsons Hayden, who preceded her in death in 2020, Lincoln, Lucas, Griffin, Elliott, Liam, Joseph, A.J., Henry and Harry; great-granddaughters, Addison, McKinlee, Baylee, Journey, Hannah, Maggie and Sophie. Nita also loved her many nieces and nephews, sister and brothers-in-law and many others who she knew and enjoyed over the years. All who knew Juanita loved her, as she did them. Juanita and Fred enjoyed traveling, especially with her daughter Amy, and managed to see several large U.S. cities including San Francisco, Chicago and New York. One special trip she took with her mother was to Mexico City, where she enjoyed exploring the historic city and pyramid on her own. Juanita's later years were spent at home, enjoying reading in her favorite recliner with a cup of hot tea and preferably a sweet dessert, looking out the large picture window to the beauty of the flowers and greenery in her front yard, watching the birds and butterflies that abounded in her little slice of heaven. She loved her home and all the memories created there. With the loving care of her children and grandchildren who helped in various ways over the years, Juanita managed to live out her final days in peace and happiness, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her. Juanita will be remembered on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1200 S. Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas. Rosary will begin at 10:35 a.m. and followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, lunch will be served for all who would love to join the family at: Gilligan's Irish Pub, 400 E. Abram, Arlington, TX, on the outdoor patio. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you please donate to one of the organizations dear to Juanita: NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness), Carmelite Nuns, St. Maria Goretti Church, or a charity of your choice in her memory. At a later date, there will be a private family ceremony at the St. Maria Goretti Church cremains garden. To protect our immunocompromised loved ones, the family asks for all who attend, to please follow CDC guidelines with regard to the wearing of masks (required) and practice social distancing. Mom's gentle and loving spirit would want all to be safe and we ask that you do so in memory of her. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233