Elizabeth Bueno

Elizabeth Bueno treasured every moment, especially those she spent in the company of her family and friends. She cherished them with all her heart, caring for them in times of need and celebrating with them in times of joy. Elizabeth was one of those very special people you hope you will have the good fortune to meet one day.

Although the early 1930s found the United States in the midst of the Great Depression, good things were still happening. It was in this year the Star Spangled Banner was adopted as the national anthem and the Empire State Building in New York was first opened to the public. In Austin, Texas , good things were also happening for the Munoz family. On June 19, 1931, Theodoro and Helen (Trevino) Munoz became the proud parents of a baby girl they named Elizabeth .

Elizabeth grew up in a very large family. Her mother had been married and widowed three times and had sixteen children in all. With this many siblings, Elizabeth never had to look far for a playmate. She attended the area schools through the 8th grade, and as a teenager, she loved to dance and did so as often as possible. In fact, it was at a dance that Elizabeth met her future husband, John Bueno. The two soon fell in love, and after borrowing $5.00 for a marriage license they were married at a local church in 1951. Like many young couples, there wasn't money to take a honeymoon, so John and Elizabeth simply settled into married life together. Over the next several years the Bueno household would be filled with the addition of ten children.

In 1956, John and Elizabeth moved their family to Holland, Michigan . After the children were all in school, Elizabeth went to work at Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Co. as a paper and metal sorter. Through her strong work ethic and dedication, she worked her way up to Supervisor before retiring after 27 years in 1993. Elizabeth never viewed her job as work, but more as one of life's many adventures, cherishing all the special people she met along the way.

Family was always at the center of Elizabeth 's life, and the births of her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her a world of happiness. In fact, when her first grandchild was born, her smile was like a beacon in the night for all to see. Additionally, she had a beloved cat named Gato and a dog named Guero, who she considered as part of her family. Elizabeth 's faith was also an important part of her life and she was a devout member of her church, the Liberty Worship Center . When it came to leisure time, Elizabeth enjoyed shopping, particularly at Kmart or Wal-Mart, though lately trips to the Dollar Stores were a big thing. On occasion, she would stop to eat out at places like Salad Bowl, Jackie's or perhaps Taco Fiesta. At home, however, her favorite dish to cook was enchiladas, rice and beans. She liked watching the Univision Channel on television and was a big listener of gospel music, which had to be loud due to her being hard of hearing. One of her absolute favorite gospel songs was Amazing Grace, which will be sung at her service. Elizabeth didn't usually venture far from home, though she did take a trip to Mexico once and visited Texas many times. She had a few cherished possessions in life, including her jewelry and her dog Guero.

Elizabeth had a very positive spirit and never complained about anything. Even in her most difficult times, she always had a smile on her face. For the last 7 years, Elizabeth had been undergoing dialysis 3 times a week after losing a kidney, and she never gave up the fight. Her family will always remember her kind presence, her warm smile and her deep commitment to her family. She will be greatly missed.

Elizabeth Bueno, age 74 of Holland, MI , died Friday, January 27, 2006, at Heartland Health Care of Holland. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Bueno Sr. in 1981, and two daughters, Lorraine Bueno and Elizabeth Bueno II. Surviving are her children: John Bueno Jr. of Holland, Louis Bueno of Holland, Richard and Doreen Bueno of Holland, Linda and Gene Bailey of Holland, Robert and Deb Bueno of West Olive, Tisha Bueno of Hudsonville, and Mary Ann Bueno of Holland; 24 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren; brother and sisters: Melinda Arizmendez of Holland, Rosa and Jimmy Arredondo of Holland, Stella Martinez of Holland, and Rev. Tim and Barb Calvo of West Olive; in-laws, Tonya Jimenez of Texas and Al and Annie Serrano of Texas; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 30, at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave. , with the Rev. Arlee Horn and Rev. Tim Calvo officiating. Burial will be in the Lakewood Cemetery . Visiting will be from 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, at the chapel. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the American Kidney Foundation in her memory.