Juana Gregory

Mrs. Juana 'Juanita' Gregory, wife of the late Carlos Gregory passed onto her rest at 4:43 p.m., Thursday, March 4th, 2021, in Reading, Pennsylvania. She was mother to the late Igsa Milagros Perez and is survived by 8 children—Jose R. Rivas, Maria Gregory-Hernandez, Zoe Gregory-Peterson, Reinaldo Gregory, Madeline Gregory-Lopez, Gerardo 'Gerry' Gregory, Julian Gregory, and Julissa Gregory. She enjoyed the love of 22 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren, her daughter of the heart Amy Hayes, son of the heart Nicolas R. D'Agostino, and countless children and grandchildren of the heart. She is survived by her brother Marcos Rivas, and 2 sisters Ursula Fernandez and Antonia Rivas.

Born in the beautiful mountains of Patillas, Puerto Rico to Tomas and Dolores Rivas (both deceased) she was surrounded by the lush tropical forest of the family's 10-acre land. Juana developed a love for nature which she dutifully transferred to her children and all her descendants. Plants and flowers were the preferred decorations of both the backyard and inside the house. She used depictions of nature to express her joy of motherhood and the one dearest to her heart when thinking of her children was that of a hen exploring the ground alongside her baby chicks.

She also shared her love of God and was a faithful member of the Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Reading, PA. Generosity defined her as she shared her home with those in trouble, her favorite food with neighbors, and an open heart with those who needed comfort. She understood well the value of financial solvency. Before retiring from Sweet Streets Desserts, she paid off her mortgage, and all financial obligations to ensure a debt-free retirement.

She loved to travel. Driving was her preferred way of seeing our beautiful country, whether it was by car or an 18-wheeler with her sons Gerry or Julian. Her two favorite destinations were Puerto Rico and Hawaii. The most recent trip was to Puerto Rico and though the land was shaking with earthquakes she was deeply enjoying her family and the natural beauty of Puerto Rico.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, March 11, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 5153 Kutztown Rd., Temple, PA 19560, with burial to viewing at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Viewing will be held Wednesday, March 10, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.