Linda Juanice Testa
Funeral mass for Linda Juanice Testa, of Hugo, Okla., will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 11, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hugo.
Linda Juanice Testa, affectionately known as Bo and Sister Sue, passed away on Jan. 6, 2025, just shy of her 81st birthday. Born on Jan. 25, 1944 at Camp White in Jackson County, Ore., she moved to McAlester and graduated from McAlester High School. After graduation, she worked as a stenographer at Phoenix Federal Savings and Loan and quickly became the bank president’s favorite transcriber because of her exceptional speed and accuracy. Once married, she and Lawrence moved to Hugo and Juanice went to work at the Choctaw County Courthouse in the Little Dixie Community Action Division. When Lawrence went into business with Texaco, Juanice began working with him where she took care of all the finances including payroll as well as state and federal reporting. When the business was sold, Juanice got to stay at home, and this is when her creativeness began to really shine.
Juanice was a talented artist and an avid knitter, whose culinary skills made her a fabulous cook. She was especially good at making Italian dishes, breads, cheese, and sweets she learned to cook from her mother-in-law, Sara.
Juanice had a deep passion for learning, often teaching herself new things by reading books. She learned how to paint by watching Bob Ross on television. Later in life she enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, soap operas and westerns, which brought her much joy.
Above all, Juanice loved spending time with her family. She cherished her 59-year marriage to her husband, Lawrence Testa, and took immense pride in her daughter, Carol. Juanice’s sense of humor and her ability to find joy in life’s simple pleasures defined her spirit. She will be remembered for her warmth, creativity and the love she shared with everyone around her. Juanice’s favorite place in the world was at the cabin, where she created lasting memories with her loved ones. At the cabin, she enjoyed fishing, watching wildlife, and riding the trails on a 4-wheeler or side-by-side, always with a dog or two in the back. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Juanice was preceded in death by her father, Finis Helms; mother, Ruby Helms and stepfather, Otis “Dee” Hance.
Juanice is survived by her husband, Lawrence Testa of the home; daughter, Carol Testa and second daughter, Carole Carter of Moore, Okla.; sister, Gaye Fields and husband, Don of McAlester, Okla., along with a host of many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Rosary: The family will receive friends and family from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 at Miller & Miller Funeral Home in Hugo.
Interment will follow the service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with Father Todd Nance officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.
Paid Announcement
