Juanita "Nani" Benavidez

Juanita “Nani” Benavidez, 68, passed away on February 12, 2021 at home in St. Charles, IL.

Juanita was born on October 29, 1952 in Elgin to Severo and Petra (Martinez) Castro. Juanita grew up and attended school in St. Charles, graduating from St. Charles High School in 1970. Juanita was united in marriage to Thomas Benavidez on January 4, 1975 in Elgin at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Juanita and Thomas had their first daughter Christina in 1972. They later were blessed with their second daughter Tamara in 1978 and their son Tommy in 1983. Juanita will be remembered for loving Jesus Christ with all her heart. This gave her the drive of always placing family first.

Juanita was dedicated; she worked at Dukane Corp. for 32 years until she retired. After a year of retirement, she was presented the opportunity to help her daughter by watching her grandson. While watching her grandchildren Juanita started working at Wal-Mart. Throughout the years, Juanita always looked for making memorable moments for all her grandchildren. Juanita loved her grandchildren and dedicated her life to them and was their short order cook. Juanita would always have her grandchildren’s favorite foods ready every time they visit. This was Juanita’s joy and passion, making sure her moments with her grandchildren were personal and intimate, a love that only Nani can provide. Juanita was always passionate about her family especially having lunch dates with her sisters, as family came first, no matter what. If Juanita did not have her grandchildren over, she was spending her time watching her favorite TV shows like Law and Order and Chicago PD. Juanita’s hobbies consist of cheering on her loved ones at their special events, attending church at the Salvation Army, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Juanita is survived by her husband Thomas, her children; Christina (Evan), Tamara, and Tommy (Andrea), her grandchildren: Jonathan, Courtney, Tiah, Tyra, Christian, Wyatt, Josephine, Anthony, Rosalina, Jinjer, Cash, and Madelyn, Great-grandchildren: Chloe, Charlotte, Lincoln and, Jonny. In addition, she leaves her siblings: Alejo, David, Regina, Carol, Belen, Patsy, as well as countless nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Severo and Petra Castro and siblings: Joseph John and Severo Jr.

The family requests, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Moss Family Funeral Home St. Charles 100 S. 3^rd St. from 1PM – 3PM. Funeral Service will begin promptly at 3PM.

Arrangements entrusted to Moss Family Funeral Home St. Charles 630-584-2000 or www.mossfuneral.com

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