Dominican Sister of Peace Juanita Henley, (92), of Barberton, OH, died on December 4, 2024, at Regina Health Care Center, Richfield, OH. 
 
Juanita was born to Margaret Haffner and Paul V. Henley in 1932. She entered the Congregation in 1948 and spent the last 76 years in service to God’s people. 
 
Sr. Juanita earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from St. John College, Cleveland, OH, and used her education in ministry for many years. 
 
Sister Juanita dedicated nearly 40 years to teaching, primarily in Northeast Ohio, as well as in Denver, CO, and Phoenix, AZ. In the early 2000s, she returned to Akron, OH to serve as Assistant to the Acting Director at the Rockynol Retirement Center. She then transitioned to a 10-year ministry in Spiritual Care at the Village of St. Edwards in Akron, OH. After retiring from full-time ministry, Sister Juanita continued to serve her Akron Motherhouse community in various roles, including Sacristan, before embracing her final ministry of prayer and presence. 

In her preaching at the funeral Sr. Joanne Caniglia, OP, fondly remembered Sr. Juanita’s childlike nature. She said, “Her spirit brought a unique energy to the Elms - imagine a free spirit in a place of rules and structure. She didn’t focus on the small details or the rules. For Juanita, it wasn’t about perfectly fitting the pieces together; it was about the joy of being with others, embracing life with simplicity and love.” 

Sr. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Margaret Haffner Henley, and her siblings Ray, Yvonne, Ramona, and Sister Rosemary, OP. She is survived by her siblings Richard (Pam), Patricia Heaton, Marilyn Guinter (William), along with her nieces and nephews. 

Her funeral mass took place on December 11, 2024, at Regina Health Center. Burial immediately followed at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

Memorial gifts in Sister Juanita’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219. 

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