She remembers how hard it was to find work during the Great Depression, and how important her paycheck was to her mother and sisters.  Though the years were difficult, she has fond memories of dancing in the streets of Boise during the Basque New Year celebrations.  After her mother passed away, Juanita helped take care of her younger sisters, providing a place for them to live even after their husbands were sent away to war.

Juanita settled in Boise with her husband and raised three children.  She has visited her sister, Teles, in the Basque country 4 times, taking the opportunity to speak the language and spend time with some of her family.  She also enjoys spending time at the Basque Center in Boise, maintaining her connection to the Basque community.