ARAVENA, JUANA AURORA (NEE TAPIA

ARAVENA, JUANA AURORA (NEE TAPIA LABORIE) March 3, 1942 – February 4, 2026
Juana “Lola” Aravena, beloved wife of Manuel Aravena, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the age of 83 years.
Lola, as she was affectionately known, brought warmth and light into the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She lived with compassion and kindness, and she will be remembered for her steadfast devotion to her family and the genuine care she so generously shared with others.
Lola is survived by her loving husband, Manual Aravena, her two sons, Mauricio (Mody) Aravena and Christian (Chris) Aravena; her daughter-in-law Krista, and her cherished grandchildren, Nolan and Sadie Aravena, all of Calgary, AB. She is also survived by her sister, Iris Tapia Laborie of Santiago, Chile.
She was predeceased by her parents, Elena Laborie Ramirez and Ernesto Tapia Del Rio; and by many siblings, as Lola was the youngest of 21 children.
Lola was born in Santiago, Chile, on March 3, 1942. She married the love of her life, Manuel, in 1974, in her hometown. In September of 1978, she immigrated to Canada, arriving directly in Medicine Hat, AB. There, she and Manuel raised their family and made their home for over four decades. In 2020, they moved to Calgary to be closer to family.
A loving and dedicated mother to Mody and Chris, Lola worked tirelessly to provide for her boys. Within days of arriving in Canada, she began working at Tops Steak House. Soon after, she joined the local greenhouse industry in Medicine Hat and nearby Redcliff, AB, where she worked diligently until her retirement. Her strong work ethic and determination were evident in all that she did.
Family was at the center of Lola’s life. She cherished time spent with her loved ones, taking camping trips, or, in later years, extended visits to Chile. She was a wonderful cook who expressed her love through food, joyfully preparing meals and welcoming family and guests into her home.
Her grandchildren, Nolan and Sadie, held a special place in her heart. She loved spending time with them, taking them to the park or making their favorite foods especially empanadas and sopaipillas and creating treasured memories together.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Father Lacombe Care Society, who showered Lola with love, care, and respect during the last four and a half years of her life as she bravely faced the challenges of dementia.
Lola was cremated in a private family ceremony on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
A Celebration of Lola’s Life will be held at the Reflections Reception Facility at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel (901 13th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB) on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Lola will be remembered for her strength, generous heart, unwavering love for her family, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, perseverance, and deep family bonds that will be cherished always.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Lola’s family at www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Juana “Lola” Aravena, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.