Obituary of Maria Juana Pitones

Maria Juana “Janie” Pitones, 86 years old, was born in Lagos De Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico. Maria went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, after a period of illness.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Jose Juan Pitones, her parents, Santiago Romo and Francisca Lopez, and her sister, Herlinda Elizondo. She is survived by her daughter, Rosie Pitones-Dunasky (Jeff), son Reynaldo Pitones (Janie) and adopted son Eben Norman (Rosemarie).

She leaves behind grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kesley Betancourt, Keyanna Betancourt, Kaylene Betancourt, Ashley Pitones (4), Ansley Pitones (Phillip) (3), Eli Pitones (3), Catalina Dunasky, Jeffrey Dunasky Jr. Christianna Dunasky, Joseph Dunasky and many others to whom she became their honorary grandmother.

Maria grew up in Fresnillo, Zacatecas where she met and later married Jose Juan Pitones on September 18, 1950. Looking for an opportunity to work hard and make a life, Maria and Jose came to the United Stated in 1963 via the Bracero Program of 1942. One of the earliest memories of Maria’s relocation to the U.S. is that of her rolling on the beautiful vast green grasslands. This memory serves as a great representation for how she viewed and lived life – green, positive and full of opportunity. She was a quiet, steely lady yet incredibly humble and patient. She had a big heart and a soft spot for children. Maria and Jose longed for children for over 20 years. Once they were blessed with the arrival of their kids, Maria’s life revolved around loving and caring for them. Her children served as the motivator for many of her ‘firsts’ in life, such as learning to drive in her late 40’s so she could drive her children to required or desired locations. Later in life, another first was flying to California and Indiana to see Rosie. She became a frequent flyer once the grandkids were born. When at home in Texas, she played an integral role in helping to raise Rey’s children.

Tenacity, strong will, and love for hard work make up the legacy Maria leaves behind.

While an obituary is generally devoted to honoring the life of a loved one’s passing, equally important to me (Rosie) is honoring those who directly or indirectly contributed to mom’s care. If not for friends and family who served as the Body of Christ, I would not have been able to lovingly care for her at home until her passing.

To the community in and around Rio Hondo, Texas and Carmel, Indiana, please accept my eternal appreciation for the kindness and love you showed mom throughout her life, but especially during the last few years of her life. A special word of gratitude to our friends who have played the role of extended family in helping to care and look after mom. We love you and thank you: Gerald & Diane Gusler, Eben & Rosemarie Norman, Grebil & Natalie Oyiela, and Berta & Trinidad Galvan, Rosie Garcia, Carmen Story, Carmen Vidal, and Crispina Ramos.

To my (Rosie’s) support system – thank you for standing in the gap. Your actions always spoke louder than words when you said you were there to help me. I’m grateful for your love: Bob & Ro Vukovich, Danny Gomez, Luis Flores, Yolanda Salazar, Cristy Valle, my husband Jeff and our kids and my Corteva Agriscience colleagues. In my lifetime, I’ll never have or find words to adequately articulate what your support has meant to me.

Visitation will begin Thursday, December 5, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a holy rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019, at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Rio Hondo, Texas with burial to follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are Jeff Dunasky, Jeffrey Dunasky Jr., Rey Pitones, Eli Pitones, Eben Norman, Danny Gomez, Luis Flores and Rolando Muniz.

You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Maria Juana “Janie” Pitones at: www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston Blvd., San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.