MIT Health Student Health Plan Research and Resolution Expert Juanita Battle passed away on Jan. 14. She was 70 years old.
Battle was widely recognized within the MIT community as one of the welcoming faces and voices that students met whenever they sought clarification about their health insurance. For over 17 years, Juanita was present to assist students in navigating the intricacies of the U.S. health-care system.
“Juanita truly cared about the students,” recalls Affiliate Health Plan Representative Lawanda Santiago. Whenever Battle engaged in a conversation with a student, it was understood that the call might last 20 minutes. “She consistently went above and beyond.”
Sheila Sanchez, lead student health plan research and resolution expert, concurs. “There was nothing beyond her reach to ensure that the student enjoyed a positive experience regarding any insurance inquiry. She made it a point to ensure that each student felt acknowledged and content.”
“By the conclusion of any dialogue, she knew the student’s name, their hometown, what their mother’s name was, and even their preferred color,” shares Sanchez.
“Juanita represented the visible face of the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan,” adds David Tytell, MIT Health’s director of marketing and communications. “Whenever a request for volunteers to promote student insurance arose, such as during Campus Preview Weekend, Juanita was always the first to volunteer.” Her thorough, clear elucidations of complex insurance concepts featured in multiple MIT Health videos.
“She also had a fondness for Tim the Beaver,” remarks Tytell. “She would revert to being a child whenever Tim entered the vicinity, and she never failed to seize the moment for a selfie with him.”
Battle’s friends also remember her enthusiasm for dining out. “Juanita adored food! Whenever we went out to eat, she would have the menu committed to memory before we arrived,” shares Sanchez. “She had already conducted her research, read Yelp reviews, examined pictures, identified her top three favorite dishes, and even had suggestions for everyone else!”
“She particularly enjoyed tiramisu,” adds Santiago.
Battle’s laughter was contagious. She was known for her positive outlook on life and had the remarkable gift of turning almost any situation into a joke. Halloween was her favorite celebration, and she would consistently dress up and take photos. “One of my final interactions with Juanita was last Halloween,” recounts Tytell. “I returned from a meeting to discover a trick-or-treat bag brimming with candy and a note from Juanita on my desk.”
“She allowed nothing to dampen her spirit,” remarks Sanchez. “Everything about her radiated happiness.”