Compassionate woman, owner of Kitty’s Restaurant
Published in the February 25, 2016 edition
NORTH READING — Juanita M. (White) Haerer, 79, an owner of Kitty’s Restaurant of North Reading and formerly of Woburn, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, after a brave illness with cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederick S. Haerer.
Born in Woburn on Dec. 24, 1936, Juanita was raised and attended school in Woburn. She had been a resident of North Reading for over 60 years and was a member of St. Theresa Church.
Juanita was an owner of Kitty’s Restaurant, along with her late brothers George and Ronnie White. Kitty’s was a legacy that was passed down from the late George White, her father and Yolanda Susan (Brogna) White, her mother “Sissy” and Mary Brogna, her loving aunt.
Juanita worked with her family for her entire life. She had many regular customers, whom she cared deeply about and lifelong friends and our employees that were and are associated with Kitty’s that became her extended family.
Juanita was a loving mom, wife, sister, daughter, cousin, grandmother, great–grandmother, aunt and friend. Her compassion was infectious and her love was felt by everyone that touched her life. Some of the best memories were at “camp” on Newfound Lake. Juanita was known for her beautiful flowers and oversized vegetables, gardening was her favorite. She loved to travel, she enjoyed Salisbury Beach, Plum Island, Florida, St. Thomas, Bermuda, Las Vegas with her mother and siblings, Newfound Lake with her family, sightseeing, sailing, skiing, she loved to read and learn and she also enjoyed quilting and knitting.
Juanita was an amazing baker and preserving her bounties from her garden. She volunteered for the Walk for Hunger, cooking and serving the homeless at the Paulist Center, as well as St. Basil.
Family members include her loving children, Denise A. Haerer of North Reading, Kim S. Callahan of Epping, N.H. and her late son, James G. Haerer; “GrammieWa’s” eight grandchildren, Nicole, Jonny, Tammie, Dustin, Shayne, Sabrina, Jacob and Joshua; great–grandchildren, Sydnie, Jaxson and Lilliana; sister-in-laws, Rita White, Nancy White, Pat White and the late Lorraine White; also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Ronnie White, George White and Robert White.
Her funeral was held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Monday, Feb. 22 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Theresa Church. Burial was in Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Food Pantry of your choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
