Juanita Herzeelle

PEABODY – Juanita Herzeelle, 89, of Peabody, died peacefully on January 16th, 2026, at her home in Brooksby Village. Born in Casper, Wyoming on July 29, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Victor Leon and Sarah Rose (Murphy) Herzeelle.

Juanita was raised and educated in Casper, Wyoming and graduated from Natrona County High School. She was a pioneer in her family being the first Herzeelle to earn a college degree. She studied nursing and furthered her education with a masters in healthcare management. Juanita entered religious life as a Sister of Charity from 1958 through 1973. Upon leaving the convent, she continued to serve others as an operating room nurse, manager and director for her entire career. Her career took her to Montana, Kansas, Colorado, California, Utah and ultimately to Massachusetts where she resided for the last forty-four years. Juanita and her mother relocated to Beverly in 1981 when her brother Vernon and his wife Wendy welcomed their first child.

Family was always first for Juanita. Aunt Juanita “AJ” and her mother Sarah “Grammy Murph” opened their home and hearts to care for Vernon’s children in every aspect of life — weekly family dinners made from scratch, annual holiday traditions complete with Juanita’s piano playing, learning to read from AJ’s Snoopy book collection, and honing math skills from countless rounds of board games. AJ deeply valued the education afforded to her and ensured that her niece and nephew discovered the beauty, creativity and freedom that comes from knowledge through her generous contributions to their educational institutions and presence at school performances, sporting events, and graduations. AJ even celebrated their major educational capstones by taking her niece and nephew on individual trips of their choosing to not only honor their achievements but also spark continued curiosity.

Juanita loved traveling. While she appreciated an impeccably organized home and schedule, she equally appreciated the spontaneity and unpredictability that came from exploring different lands and cultures. Juanita was fortunate to have “soulmate friends” that shared not only her love of adventure but also her fierce competitive spirit. Juanita and her friends traveled to Alaska, England, Ireland, and most of the National Parks and ended every night with rounds of cards, Scrabble, and Bananagrams.

Juanita’s lived a life of service and faith. She never seemed to look for but always had and made opportunities to serve. Upon retirement, Juanita moved to Brooksby Village relishing in the excursions and learning opportunities the facility offered but noting that “the people are the best part.” She treasured the friends that welcomed her to the living community and equally turned around greeting the newest residents. In retirement, Juanita found a new outlet for her technical precision and managerial skills no longer used in the operating room: quilting. Juanita’s incredible attention to detail and astute precision produced incredible works of art that she donned all around her home and gifted to many friends and family. However, she took greatest care in the collaborative projects she coordinated with large groups of quilters to donate warm blankets to veterans, patients in hospitals, and sick children. Juanita was incredibly grateful to wrap herself in a beautiful handmade quilt delivered to her by the Brooksby Quilters during her last hospital stay.

In addition to her parents, Juanita is predeceased by her brother, Vernon Herzeelle

Juanita is survived by her sister-in-law, Wendy Kallas; her niece, Erin Herzeelle and her daughter, Victoria Rose; her nephew, Peter Herzeelle and his wife, Jamie and their children, Juliet Murphy and Lee Mariam.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Juanita’s funeral Mass which will be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at 11 AM at the Brooksby Village Chapel, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody. A visiting hour will be held in the chapel prior to Mass from 10 AM to 11 AM. Interment will take place at a later date at Highland Cemetery, Casper, Wyoming. Assisting the family is O’Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.