Juanita left us for an extended singing engagement on March 29, 2018. The love that she had for music and the associated fellowship that came from it served to inspire her and those that she collaborated with in Whatcom County. As she was preparing for her trip, it was those that she harmonized with who were at her side exchanging comfort, love and, above all, a good joke.
Born into the Depression, Juanita grew up in the San Francisco Bay area where she started a family and then found her way to Valdez, Alaska, and ultimately Bellingham. Some would say that it took a good sense of humor for her to cover this much geography, yet the adventures that ensued, and Juanita’s giving heart, made up the foundation that her family and friends leaned upon.
Juanita Margaret Simonsen was born in Portland, Oregon, on June 8, 1928 to Warren “Buck” Hicks and Mary “Hazel” Hicks. She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Gibbons, Shannon Gibbons (Dominique Simon), and Deborah Harrison (Steve); son Warren “Buck” Gibbons (Carolyn); granddaughters Kelsey Palmer (Henry) Lindsey and Hailey Gibbons, Dominic Papetti (Marissa), Michael and Victor Papetti.
Juanita was well prepared for her trip thanks to the loving care of those at Christian Health Care Center in Lynden. We should all be so fortunate to be surrounded by those who are as uncompromising in their ethical and Christian values as Leah Maassen and her team.
A mass in Juanita’s honor will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 27, in St. Joseph Catholic Church of Lynden, followed by a reception. “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants…”
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
