When Maria Juana Tolosa Bacani walked into the room, those in her company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Maria Juana was and how she impacted those around her. Maria Juana was a jolly and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Maria Juana wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Maria Juana was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve her well throughout her life.

Maria Juana was born on January 23, 1935 at home in Dolores, Philippines. She was the daughter of Cenon & Felisa Tolosa. Maria Juana was raised in Sampaloc, Dolores, Philippines. Always at the ready with a good joke, she grew up to be quite a humorous and friendly person. While some who knew Maria Juana might describe her as a joyful person, her friends and family understood well that Maria Juana was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to her.

Maria Juana was raised with six siblings. She had one older sister Lorenza, one older brother Serafin, and three younger brothers, Ruperto, Teofilo and Ponciano and one younger sister, Dolores. Maria Juana was very accepting and supportive of her family. She was perceived as the central person in her family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. Whenever discord or tension arose within the home, Maria Juana was typically the member who brought about resolution, understanding and harmony. These traits served Maria Juana well in her adult life and, along with her charm and simple personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew her.

As a young girl, Maria Juana was able to empathize and identify with a vast array of people and personality types. This quality drew her into a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. Maria Juana was vibrant and had little trouble getting along with her peers. She was almost always the first to jump in when it came to playing games or participating in other childhood activities. She was an Apostolado Ning Panalangin and Apostolate of Jesus of Nazarene. In her spare time she liked to watch TV and entertain her family. Maria Juana had the ability to find amusement with almost any activity she and the many childhood friends she shared might discover.

With a talent for making acquaintances easily which in turn brought her an endless stream of friends, Maria Juana was very sociable and could blend without effort into any social group. Friendly, caring and lively, Maria Juana was easy to know and demonstrated a deep concern for others. She always seemed aware of what was going on with people around her and throughout her life she made many, many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Agring Nucum and Apolinaria Patio. Later in life, she became friends with Teresita Alquero.

On January 15, 1964 Maria Juana married Aguinaldo P. Bacani at the San Fernando Cathedral Church of Pampanga, Philippines. Maria Juana's skill at “building bridges” played an important role in her ability to make her new family happy. She was quite sensitive towards Aquinaldo's needs, showing her constant concern and fondness. Maria Juana was tenderhearted and sensitive, qualities that served her well in helping to nurture her family.

Maria Juana was a natural and creative parent who was willing to provide her family with all sorts of new and interesting experiences. For Maria Juana, parenting was a particularly enjoyable and pleasurable part of her life. Every activity, from chores to bedtime routines, became a game in the Bacani home. Maria Juana's skill at understanding her children's feelings, her sensitivity to their needs, and her gift for gentle persuasion enabled her to find novel solutions to any problem or situation that might crop up. Maria Juana was blessed with six children, two son-in-laws and three daughter-in-laws; three daughters, Theresa, Victoria and husband Lohengrin, Cristina and husband Joven and three sons Giovani and wife Theresa, Emmanuel and wife Christina and Gilbert and wife Maritess. They were also blessed with eleven grandchildren, Katrina, Timothy, Christian, Veronica, Joshua, Nicole, Luke, Alexis, Gabriel, Mark and Gillian.

Maria Juana was uplifted by new ideas and was excited by life’s possibilities, traits that made her an exceptional worker. Her primary occupation was a housewife. Maria Juana has a natural way of making everybody feel special. Maria Juana had the love, caring and understanding in every situation. Maria Juana's fellow workers saw her as a supporter and a mentor.

Maria Juana loved to have everybody around her, bonding time. Her favorite pursuits were cooking and entertaining her loved ones. Maria Juana had a knack for being able to multi-task in order to create time for all of her favorite pastimes. However, Maria Juana's ever-present concern for others always took precedent.

Maria Juana was a woman who was dedicated and devoted to her faith. She was a member of Our Lady of Sorrow for 54 years. During that time, she was a member of "Apostolado Ning Panalangin". She was sympathetic and able to empathize with others and she used these qualities to the fullest while working tirelessly for her beliefs.

Maria Juana's love of improvising in her daily life was a perfect fit for her enjoyment of traveling. Her favorite vacations were ones that were not planned. Traveling in a casual manor fit her personality well. Excited about seeing changing scenery and constantly looking for the enjoyment life could offer, Maria Juana took her vacations seriously, well, as seriously as she possibly could. Favorite vacations included going back home to the Philippines and visiting relatives.

Maria Juana Bacani passed away on May 12, 2016 at home in Las Vegas, Nevada. She fought a brave battle against Pancreatic Cancer. She is survived by her husband, six children, two son-in-law’s, three daughter-in-law’s, and eleven grandchildren. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary. Maria Juana was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery.

There was always a certain style and natural way to Maria Juana. She was a lovable, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. She had a knack for being charming and was a joy to be around. She always had open arms to share; it seemed as if many others looked to Maria Juana Bacani for inspiration, wisdom and even courage. Maria Juana was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with her loved ones.