Youngstown - There will be a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian, Rd., Youngstown, with Chorbishop Michael Kail officiating for Juana "Juanita" Mendez, 85, of Youngstown, who passed away early Thursday morning January 9, 2014, with her loving family by her side. She was born June 24, 1928 in Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic, the daughter of Hermogenes and Aminta (Contin) Leazard; and obtained her PhD in Pharmacy from the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo in 1954. Juanita later moved to the Youngstown area in 1987 to be with her daughters and family. Upon Juanita's retirement, her greatest pleasure was being with her family and caring for her grandchildren, whom she adored with all her heart. She enjoyed listening to music, taking care of her flower garden, baking and shopping. Juanita will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends for the devotion she gave to those around her and the Blessed Mother. Juanita leaves behind her husband of over 58 years, Manuel Mendez, whom she married December 24, 1955, two daughters, Dr. Zoraida Mendez of Cleveland and Dr. Consuelo Mendez (Dr. Mounir El Hayek) of Canfield, six grandchildren: Gabriel Stokes, Vincent, Alexander, Victoria, Eric and Nicole El-Hayek and her very special nephew Dr. Hector Arias Bustamante (Esther), her godchild, Miguel Angel Gonzalez, and seven surviving siblings. They all hold on to her precious memories. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. Friends may call on Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home 4700 Market St., Boardman, where the Prayers of Incense Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friends may also call on Monday, January 13, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown. Burial will take place at the Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown. Material contributions may be made in Juanita's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Mendez family.