Esther Juarez

Esther Juarez, 87, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at her daughter’s home in Chicago, Illinois.  Esther was married to Gilberto Rodriguez for 35 years. She loved to go for walks, spend time with her grandchildren, dine out, and get her hair and nails done. She also lived a life devoted to her faith—reading her Bible and praying daily brought her great comfort and joy.  She is survived by her sisters Rosa and Susana, her niece Rosa, and her children: Charlie Graza, Cindy Graza, Armando Graza, Diane Lanaette Gracia, Christopher Gracia, and Veronica Leslie Rodriguez. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Lester Graza, Joana Graza, Candace Graza, Rocky Graza, Skyler Graza, Amber Graza, Mario Graza, Luis Mayor, Sinclair Martinez, Cheech Martinez, Yamilie Pacheco, Yadira Valdez, Yazmine Leslie Valdez, Yuliana Valdez, Alex Gracia, Angel Martinez, and Legion Martinez.  

To celebrate Esther’s life, a viewing will be held at Pietryka Funeral Home, 5734–40 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639, on July 13, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will follow on July 14, 2025, at St. Bartholomew Church, 3601 N Lavergne Ave, Chicago, IL 60641, beginning at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at Mount Olive Cemetery, 3800 N Narragansett Ave, Chicago, IL.

She will be remembered for her warmth, strong faith, and the love she gave to everyone around her. Esther was a pillar of strength, grace, and resilience—guiding her family through life’s challenges with courage and unwavering love. She fought bravely against her health conditions, never missing a medical appointment, no matter the weather or how she felt. 

Her determination was inspiring. She was the most loving mother a child could ever know, and her strength continues to live on in all who knew her.