Juana “Juanita” Fustes Grogan

JUANA (“JUANITA”) FUSTES GROGAN (nee Amores) aged 83 years, beloved wife 56 years to the late Dennis L. Grogan, dear mother of John, Maria Ule (husband Doug) and Michael (wife Alma), loving grandmother of McKenzie, Cody and Kevie Grogan, Tricia Ule, Casey Roubic (husband Aaron), Heather and Joey Ule, and devoted daughter of the late Tiburcio and Melania (nee Amores) Fustes.

Juanita was born and raised in a small town called Ceclavin in the country of Spain. Ceclavin is a tiny municipality; even today, the number of residents sits at just over 2,000. Growing up in rural Spain during the tumultuous times of the 1940s and 1950s was incredibly difficult. Basic resources were scarce!

Juanita lost her father at the tender age of 12. This incredible blow to the family ushered Juanita into a family leadership role as she sought any work she could get to help feed and care for her siblings and mother. A childhood wrought with such uncertainty and austerity drove her resolve to survive and protect her loved ones. Understandably, her childhood experience came to define Juanita’s outlook on life and equipped her with a deep appreciation for the basics that many take for granted (such as food, shelter, security). Ultimately, this gave her the gift of truly appreciating life.

Upon becoming a young adult, Juanita moved to Rota, Spain, located on the country’s southwest shores. There, she met who would become the love of her life – Dennis L. Grogan. Dennis was serving in the United States Navy and was stationed at the Naval base in Rota. Dennis and Juanita were married on 10 February 1965. Upon Dennis’ end of commitment with the Navy, he moved his new family to Akron, Ohio, where he and Juanita would raise three children.

Juanita was a faithful and devoted housewife who took great pride in always putting her husband and children selflessly ahead of herself. She taught herself English and was actually tri-lingual (she spoke Spanish, Portuguese, and English). Growing up near the border of Portugal influenced her ability to learn a second language as a child. In retirement with her husband (after his 40-year career with the railroad), Juanita loved to travel. She and Dennis drove to nearly every corner of the United States. Although they loved every minute and found friends wherever they went, their favorite destination was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Juanita was in her ‘happy place’ collecting shells as she walked the beach.

Juanita’s friends and family would describe her as a passionate and dedicated woman who always meant well to others. Juanita was fearless in expressing what was on her mind – some joked that she had “no filter.” However, those that knew her best appreciated her irreverent sense of humor. Her greatest quality though was her unparalleled love for and devotion to her husband, Dennis!

Her family cherishes her memory and deeply misses her! As Juanita is now home with the Lord and reunited with Dennis, she would want her beloved family and friends to not be sad because, in God’s time, we will be together again. For now, she would say “be good to one another” and la paz de Dios sea contigo (God’s peace be with you).

Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Juanita at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE RD on Saturday, March 12, from 11AM until the time of service. Funeral services will take place promptly at 12:00PM. Private burial in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery (Seville, OH.) will take place at a later date.