Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 LV, NV 89104 Services: Friday November 14th, 2025 9-11a Burial to Follow 12p Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Boulder City, NV 89005 "Kind." "Generous," «Thoughtful." "Sweet." These are just a few of the words people used to describe my mother, Kaori Shimoda Guerra, upon learning of her sudden passing. While these terms are true, Those closest to her also knew her as a balanced woman-savvy, resilient, persistent, and deeply protective. Regardless of how people knew my mother, it is undisputed that she was extraordinary. Kaori passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the presence of her only child, Jessica Shimoda Guerra. She was 63 years old. Her life was a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kaori graduated from Tokai University in 1984 with a degree in History, specializing in English history. Though she originally planned to become a teacher, she quickly realized the classroom wasn't her calling and pivoted to broadcast journalism at her father's newspaper company. Hoping to become an international investigative journalist, she initially learned English from a When David received orders to leave Japan, Kaori made the bold decision to follow him to a country she had never seen and whose language she barely spoke. She immigrated to the United States in December 1986, to begin a new life built on courage and love. In the early years of their marriage, Kaori took on various jobs, including selling hand-painted wood crafts at local fairs. After David's separation from the Navy, the couple settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Kaori worked for Las Vegas VIP Service, assisting Japanese clients in tourism. After more than a decade of service, she left to care for her family and study accounting. In 2002, while selling her own home, Kaori discovered her true professional passion: real estate. She quickly fell in love with “house hunting” and helping others not just find a house but a home. By 2004, she was a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, where she served the Las Vegas community for over 22 years. Known for her tireless work ethic, integrity, and warmth, Kaori consistently ranked among the top 25% of her company and earned numerous awards. Yet, her greatest satisfaction came from helping people find stability and joy in homeownership. She was particularly talented with assisting military families, immigrants, and those with limited means. Those that knew her, knew Kaori was a self-described “Workaholic” who even spent her spare answering emails, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Outside of work, Kaori cherished good meals and lively conversations with family, friends, and clients alike. She had a rare gift for connection, where strangers quickly felt like family. Her hobbies also included doing her laundry, reorganizing her home (especially her closet and desk), watching TV dramas-particularly Chinese period epics, Korean revenge stories, and Japanese shows—and spending quiet time with her husband and daughter. She loved coffee, animals, and shopping, but notoriously did not like camping (or, as she would have put it, "anything with dirt"). Though she lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Kaori remained deeply proud of her Japanese Heritage. Since 2016, she volunteered with the Kizuna Japanese Society, finding joy in community with other Japanese people and sharing her culture with the broader Las Vegas community. She made it a point to never forget who she was or where she came from. Kaori is survived by her husband of 38 years & nine months, David Guerra; her daughter, Jessica.Shimoda Guerra; her mother, Nobuko Shimoda; her sister, Megumi Fujita; and her nieces and nephews, Kaori is also survived by her pets: Komugi, the golden-doodle; Kiki, the micromini labradoodle; Nikki, the African grey parrot; the chickens - Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy aka "the Golden Girls"); and Many remember my mother for her warmth, determination, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her kindness and positivity touched countless lives, and her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion continue to live on in all who knew her. However, her journey also reminds us to live boldly, love deeply, and give generously. Despite every obstacle, Kaori turned her experiences, skills, and opportunities into a full-filling life uniquely her own. While she is no longer with us, her light and legacy continue to shine through the memories, stories, and lessons she leaves behind. We can honor her memory by learning the lessons she has taught us, including to be open-minded, and appreciate and respect the elements of the world and people around us. ~Jessica Shimoda Guerra Kaori's Daughter
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF Michael Michael Francis was born on April 03, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, to William and Sydney Francis whom proceeded him in death. He grew up with his siblings, Terry Francis, and Edward Griffin Jr., in a loving and supportive family. Michael attended Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, where he excelled in academics, and later graduated in 1983. Michael later joined the Army in 1990, where he received his Army Service Ribbon, a Marksman Badge specializing in rifle marksmanship, and lastly receiving his Sharpshooter certification badge. Michael later moved to Santa Maria with Sydney and William, where he met and married Marilyn DeWitt in, who preceded him in death. To their union, they had one son, Milton Michael Francis, and two step-sons, Rudy and Romeo. Romeo, who also preceded him in death. Legacy and Remembrance Michael's life was marked by love, joy, and a spirit of service. He was a devoted son, caring brother, loyal friend, and loving husband. His radiant smile and positive energy left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Michael's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and a commitment to making people smile wherever he went. Michael is survived by his son, Milton Michael Francis, and siblings, Terry Francis, Edward Griffin Jr., and Edith Gillette, and many extended family members and friends. His memory will be cherished forever. Acknowledgments The Francis family extends their deepest gratitude for the support, prayers, and love during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion provide great comfort. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." 一 Psalm 23:1-3
Friday June 20th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing & Service 11:30-1:30p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
Juana Amaya
7031791897 • September 6, 2022
November 12, 1949 - September 5, 2022
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Viewing/Service
2:30pm-4:30pm
Serenity Funeral Home
1140 Almond Tree Lane #306
Las Vegas, NV 89104
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we say goodbye to one of the greatest persons we've ever known. Juana Amaya, 73, passed away on September 5th 2022, after courageously fighting lung cancer for 10 months. Her funeral service will be held on September 10th 2022.
Being one of 13 children, Juanita was born on Nov 12, 1949 in Juacaran, El Salvador to Santos Amaya and Leocadia Ramirez. After the passing of her mother at a young age she took on to care for her younger sisters. This experience allowed her to land a career as a nursemaid for many years, with a respected family that would eventually become dear friends. As a nursemaid Juanita was able to travel and live in many countries including The USA, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela. She was so full of curiosity and adventure, she immersed herself completely in the culture of each country she visited and immediately was welcomed by the locals. After many years she returned to her home country where she gave birth to her first daughter, followed by her second child 9 years later.
As times became tough in El Salvador she looked for other ways to provide for her family. With solid goals in mind and a heart full of hope for a brighter future for her and her children, in 1987 she crossed the border to the USA. Leaving her two children behind in the care of family and friends was a sacrifice she had to make to achieve her goals. With her knowledge of other cultures she immediately adapted, made friends, and found a job. She worked hard and long hours focused on providing for her children and helping the family she left back home. During the following years she had a third child and with all her sacrifice by 1993, the family was made whole again in New York City, where they live happily together striving to be the best they can be.
With a passion for caring for people, Juanita made friends anywhere she went. She loved to talk and laugh. Communication came easy to her, whether it was the guy at the corner of 164th and Jamaica asking for a quarter at 5am or the CEO of the Dry Cleaner she worked for. She was a beam of life that people gravitated towards. Not only because she was always her honest, caring and loyal self who would give the shirt off her back if she could, but also her contagious laugh that would light a house with laughter and bring joy to those around her. With her children by her side she continued to work hard to provide the best of the best for her children while still financially helping family back home, and assisting many other family and friends take the journey to the USA.
In 2014, Juanita received one of the greatest news ever. She was to become a grandmother. Without a second thought she packed her bags and moved to Las Vegas to check off another goal, build a life around her greatest joys, grandchildren. She cared and loved her two grandkids, Logan and Austin or as she would called them, mi Gatito and mi Ratoncito. She grew up surrounded by loved ones, at a young age she learned to love and care for others and even in her last days she was making sure that everyone was cared for. Her generosity, loyalty, honesty, her care and love will live on through those lives she touched and those loved ones she leaves behind.
Juana Amaya is survived by her oldest Sandra Duran, her son Eli Martinez, and youngest Karen Sypraseouth along with her two grandchildren Logan and Austin Sypraseouth
Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 LV, NV 89104 Services: Friday November 14th, 2025 9-11a Burial to Follow 12p Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Boulder City, NV 89005 "Kind." "Generous," «Thoughtful." "Sweet." These are just a few of the words people used to describe my mother, Kaori Shimoda Guerra, upon learning of her sudden passing. While these terms are true, Those closest to her also knew her as a balanced woman-savvy, resilient, persistent, and deeply protective. Regardless of how people knew my mother, it is undisputed that she was extraordinary. Kaori passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the presence of her only child, Jessica Shimoda Guerra. She was 63 years old. Her life was a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kaori graduated from Tokai University in 1984 with a degree in History, specializing in English history. Though she originally planned to become a teacher, she quickly realized the classroom wasn't her calling and pivoted to broadcast journalism at her father's newspaper company. Hoping to become an international investigative journalist, she initially learned English from a When David received orders to leave Japan, Kaori made the bold decision to follow him to a country she had never seen and whose language she barely spoke. She immigrated to the United States in December 1986, to begin a new life built on courage and love. In the early years of their marriage, Kaori took on various jobs, including selling hand-painted wood crafts at local fairs. After David's separation from the Navy, the couple settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Kaori worked for Las Vegas VIP Service, assisting Japanese clients in tourism. After more than a decade of service, she left to care for her family and study accounting. In 2002, while selling her own home, Kaori discovered her true professional passion: real estate. She quickly fell in love with “house hunting” and helping others not just find a house but a home. By 2004, she was a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, where she served the Las Vegas community for over 22 years. Known for her tireless work ethic, integrity, and warmth, Kaori consistently ranked among the top 25% of her company and earned numerous awards. Yet, her greatest satisfaction came from helping people find stability and joy in homeownership. She was particularly talented with assisting military families, immigrants, and those with limited means. Those that knew her, knew Kaori was a self-described “Workaholic” who even spent her spare answering emails, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Outside of work, Kaori cherished good meals and lively conversations with family, friends, and clients alike. She had a rare gift for connection, where strangers quickly felt like family. Her hobbies also included doing her laundry, reorganizing her home (especially her closet and desk), watching TV dramas-particularly Chinese period epics, Korean revenge stories, and Japanese shows—and spending quiet time with her husband and daughter. She loved coffee, animals, and shopping, but notoriously did not like camping (or, as she would have put it, "anything with dirt"). Though she lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Kaori remained deeply proud of her Japanese Heritage. Since 2016, she volunteered with the Kizuna Japanese Society, finding joy in community with other Japanese people and sharing her culture with the broader Las Vegas community. She made it a point to never forget who she was or where she came from. Kaori is survived by her husband of 38 years & nine months, David Guerra; her daughter, Jessica.Shimoda Guerra; her mother, Nobuko Shimoda; her sister, Megumi Fujita; and her nieces and nephews, Kaori is also survived by her pets: Komugi, the golden-doodle; Kiki, the micromini labradoodle; Nikki, the African grey parrot; the chickens - Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy aka "the Golden Girls"); and Many remember my mother for her warmth, determination, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her kindness and positivity touched countless lives, and her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion continue to live on in all who knew her. However, her journey also reminds us to live boldly, love deeply, and give generously. Despite every obstacle, Kaori turned her experiences, skills, and opportunities into a full-filling life uniquely her own. While she is no longer with us, her light and legacy continue to shine through the memories, stories, and lessons she leaves behind. We can honor her memory by learning the lessons she has taught us, including to be open-minded, and appreciate and respect the elements of the world and people around us. ~Jessica Shimoda Guerra Kaori's Daughter
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF Michael Michael Francis was born on April 03, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, to William and Sydney Francis whom proceeded him in death. He grew up with his siblings, Terry Francis, and Edward Griffin Jr., in a loving and supportive family. Michael attended Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, where he excelled in academics, and later graduated in 1983. Michael later joined the Army in 1990, where he received his Army Service Ribbon, a Marksman Badge specializing in rifle marksmanship, and lastly receiving his Sharpshooter certification badge. Michael later moved to Santa Maria with Sydney and William, where he met and married Marilyn DeWitt in, who preceded him in death. To their union, they had one son, Milton Michael Francis, and two step-sons, Rudy and Romeo. Romeo, who also preceded him in death. Legacy and Remembrance Michael's life was marked by love, joy, and a spirit of service. He was a devoted son, caring brother, loyal friend, and loving husband. His radiant smile and positive energy left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Michael's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and a commitment to making people smile wherever he went. Michael is survived by his son, Milton Michael Francis, and siblings, Terry Francis, Edward Griffin Jr., and Edith Gillette, and many extended family members and friends. His memory will be cherished forever. Acknowledgments The Francis family extends their deepest gratitude for the support, prayers, and love during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion provide great comfort. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." 一 Psalm 23:1-3
Friday June 20th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing & Service 11:30-1:30p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
