JUANA ISABEL SHASHO
11/19/1923-11/12/2016
RIP
Juana Isabel Shasho, aged 92, died
peacefully on November 12, 2016 at home in her Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Residence, after struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Juana was born November
19th, 1923 in Havana, Cuba, the daughter of Doctor Juana de la Cruz Castro and
Alberto Ramon Llovett an engineer with the Standard Oil Company. Doctor Cruz
was a highly respected Gynecologist in Havana. She left Cuba to come to America
in 1959 and was only allowed to leave with the clothes on her back. Dr. Cruz
lived with Juana and her family until her passing in 1982.
Juana, who also goes by the name
Jenny, was a devoted Catholic. She became a well known model in Cuba in her
teens. Juana also worked for the legendary Tropicana Club. Her duties consisted
of picking up the entertainers from the airport which included Bing Crosby, Nat
King Cole and many others. She also had the honor of sitting ringside at the
Tropicana with celebrities such as Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck.
While in her 20’s, Juana’s mother
sent her and her sister to the U.S. to learn the English language and study a
trade. She attended Cosmetology School in New York City, and also helped the
American war effort as a Red Cross volunteer during World War II.
While working as a salesgirl on
Flagler Street in Miami, Florida, she met Abraham Shasho, her future husband and
lifelong companion of more than 65 years. Abraham became a sales manager at an
internationally renowned gift shop after his wartime duty as a corporal in the
United States Marine Corps. Abraham served in Japan, Saipan, Okinawa and Pearl
Harbor during World War II.
After Juana and Abraham were
married, they became working partners in a baby wear business in Akron, Ohio. They
would later find a niche in selling various household gift items in Baltimore,
Maryland and eventually settled with several retail electronic businesses on F Street
and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. where Juana became a sales
ambassador to celebrities and politicians. She retired from Sight and Sound
Electronics in 1991.
Juana had a charismatic, warm and
loving personality and seemed to make new friends effortlessly. She loved to
dance, especially Cuban Salsa. She lived life happily and always with a
positive outlook. Juana loved her family the most. She leaves her husband,
children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, nephews and nieces with endless
affectionate and happy memories. Juana spoke both Spanish and English fluently
but will be remembered for her “ay que linda” and “pobrecito” quotes.
Juana adored animals and was an
advocate for animal rights and their protection. She especially loved and cared
for her pet Terrier “Terry”, Collie’s “Prince” and “King” and Poodles “Brandi”
and “Candi” throughout her life.
She is survived by her husband
Abraham Shasho, sons Harry and Ray Shasho, daughter in-law Sharon(Clements)
Shasho, Grandchildren Christopher and Teresa Shasho, Michelle Wallin (Shasho)
and Raymond Shasho, Great Grandchildren Charis Shasho, Anthony Clark, Jack
Shasho, Isabel Rubio, and Madden Shasho.
We Love You!
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may
be made to
Humane Society of Manatee County
Services will be held Friday November 18th
The viewing will be at 11:30 am
Wake service at 12:00 noon
at Raymond’s
Funeral Home
5635
Washington Ave, La Plata, MD 20646
Phone: (301) 934-2920
Interment at Resurrection Cemetery at 1:00 pm
8000 Woodyard Road Clinton, MD 20735
Phone: (301) 868-5141
