Juana U. Duran

Juana Duran (Mami to her family), age 92, faithful and grateful servant of the Lord, was welcomed home on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Juana was born on June 16, 1928 in Chile to the late Honorindo and Celia (Valdebenito) Duran. She married Pedro Briones in 1955 and they would raise six children. Juana lived her life always giving to others. She opened her heart and home to anyone who was in need. Mami sensed people’s needs with compassion; responding with cooking meals, providing health care and any other needs.

Juana lived her life full of faith in God and was an avid reader of the Bible. She was a very active member of La Iglesia Bautista el Salto. This led to her branching out and founding La Iglesia Evangelica Bautista Argomedo in Santiago, Chile. Throughout her life, she initiated and led ladies ministry groups. Juana was also extremely involved in her community with senior citizen groups. She planned events, arranged speakers and started exercise classes for the benefit of seniors.

Mami loved her family dearly and was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Juana is survived by her children, Pedro H. Jr. (Olga) Briones, Juana Elizabeth (Jerry) Morrow, Ernesto R. (Melissa) Briones, Ana Lina S. (Blake Lillicrap) Briones, Victor G. (Rene) Briones; grandchildren, Romina (Sam) Hiti, Michael (April) Morrow, Rev. Jonnathan (Angela) Morrow, Jessica Ferrell and Damaris (Kristian) Carlson, Betsabe DelPilar, Vanessa Briones, Alex Briones, Nicholas Briones, Brandon   (Lexi) Briones, Risa Briones and Kenzie Briones; 12 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way), Maya, Ennio, Michael Jr., Jacquelynn, Jordan, Josiah, Ashlyn, Brooklyn, Jedidiah, Royce, Isak, Ayun. She is further survived by her siblings, German (Maria) Duran and Julia Duran; step-siblings and their children, Peter W. (Kari Hawkinson) Briones, Connor, Ramsey, Kason; and Eliana D. Briones; numerous other beloved family and friends.

Juana was preceded in death by Pedro Briones Sr.; a son, Juan Carlos; siblings, Lina, Esterlina, Ana, Victor, Coni; and a grandson, Derrick.

A Funeral Service for Juana will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 3200 S. Oneida St., Menasha. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home from 9 AM until the time of service. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

Mami, we will all miss you greatly and are so incredibly grateful for all you have given and shared with us. We find comfort in knowing we will all be reunited again some day.

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