Juanita "Janie" (Calzada) Barbosa

Juanita Barbosa, affectionately known as “Janie”, passed away on the 5th day of June 2023, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas. She was 72 years of age when she departed for her eternal home in Heaven.  Born to parents Jesus Calzada and Ynez Calzada on the 30th day of December 1950, in Kingsville, Texas, she was a loving, thoughtful, and selfless woman who dedicated her life to her family, her students, and her community.

Mrs. Barbosa earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University, where she also played the clarinet in the SFA Band. Her passion for education led her to a remarkable 43-year career as a teacher, during which she taught 3rd grade, Gifted and Talented, 4th grade, and 5th grade. She spent 29 years at Cayuga I.S.D. and 14 years at Palestine I.S.D., touching the lives of countless students and colleagues.

Mrs. Barbosa was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, and her love for her family was evident in her unwavering support of their interests and activities. She took great joy in watching her children and grandchildren play sports, and she always made sure her family was well taken care of. Her nurturing spirit and dedication to her loved ones will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Mrs. Barbosa was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she found solace and strength in her faith. Her involvement in the church community was a testament to her commitment to service and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Mrs. Barbosa's kindness and her ability to bring out the best in others will always be remembered. Her memory will be cherished by her family, her friends, and the many students whose lives she enriched through her years of teaching. May she rest in peace, knowing that her love and her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Ynez Calzada; son, Joseph Barbosa; sisters, Francis Link, Ana Smith, Margarita Farman; brother, Johnny Calzada; and her niece, Julie Graham.

Mrs. Barbosa leaves behind her husband Ralph Barbosa; daughters, Catarina Ridgeway and husband Charles, and Emiliana Camacho and husband Israel, all of Tyler, Texas; sisters, Manuela “Nellie” Graham and husband Don, of Palestine, Texas, Vivian Hollingsworth, of Frankston, Texas; brothers, Jessie Calzada and wife Becky, of Gravette, Arkansas, and David Calzada, of Loveland, Colorado; grandchildren, Reign Ridgeway, Legend Ridgeway, Ezrah Camacho, and Asah Camacho.  She also will be missed by other family members and a multitude of friends she made throughout her life.

The family will receive friends from five o’clock in the evening until seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 16th day of June 2023 at Rhone Funeral Home.  At six o’clock in the evening, the recitation of the Holy Rosary in honor of Mrs. Barbosa is to commence.

The Mass of Christian burial is to be held at ten o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 17th day of June 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 503 N. Queen Street, Palestine, Texas. The Rite of Committal, via an escorted procession, will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Palestine. 

Funeral services for Juanita Barbosa are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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