JM + JT

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Sister Juanita of Jesus and Mary, O.C.D. (Encarnacion Chunga) entered into eternal life on
Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 94 in The Monastery of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount
Carmel in Morristown, NJ. Sister Juanita was surrounded by her community of Sisters who accompanied
her with prayers.

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Born on June 13, 1930 to Lovenz Chunga and Marie Martinez in Brooklyn, New York, “Connte”
as she was fondly nicknamed, was the fifth of seven children (2 boys and 5 girls). She grew up in
Flatbush and attended college in the area.

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She entered the Carmelite Monastery of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen in
Flemington, NJ, and was accepted as a “lay sister” and received the name Sister Juanita of Jesus and
Mary. She later made her Solemn Vows on November 24, 1962. As a “lay sister,” she served her
community as a cook. She carried out this service willingly and generously.

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In the late 1970s, the Prioress at the time asked for Sisters to volunteer to assist at the Carmel in
Morristown. Sister Juanita, always willing to help serve in some way, offered to go. She brought
generous spirit, her passion for cooking and also baking, too! She assisted for several years in the
Carmel of Morristown and was remembered for her willingness to serve and lend support, but most
especially for her charity in assisting the sick and elderly Sisters in the community. Due to personal
circumstances several years later, Sister Juanita remained outside the community for a time. She
eventually returned to the Carmel in Morristown in 2020, as her health was declining due to age and
sickness. At the age of 90, she still had an amazing spirit of generosity and service, often helping with
the dishes and in the kitchen until she was unable to do things without assistance. She always
appreciated the help of Sisters and expressed her gratitude by saying, “I thank you with all my heart” or
“thanks a million!” As her health declined and she was not able to speak much, she still was able to give
a big and encouraging smile to the Sisters who helped her.

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Sister Juanita is pre-deceased by her siblings and will be missed by her nieces and nephews and especially her family of Sisters here in Morristown.