Obituary of Pauline Bueno

The sun rose in Ajo, Arizona on June 29, 1938 for Pauline Leon Bueno and her final sunset came on February 12, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona. Pauline, a compassionate and strong woman, will be missed by her husband of 57 years, “Junie”, Clemente V. Bueno, Jr. They were married in Ajo’s Catholic Church and raised their children there before moving to Tucson. Ajo always remained in Pauline’s heart and was home to her; she loved the mining town and its people. Yet, she made a new life in Tucson and brought her experience as an Instructional Aide to touch the lives of children learning a new language at Sunnyside and Amphitheater School Districts. She not only encouraged her students in their studies, but taught them little lessons about life and how to be good thoughtful people. She was a shining example to them and they, in turn, always looked forward to giving Mrs. Bueno her daily hug and their rapt attention.

Pauline was predeceased by her parents Enrique Y. and Zoleme S. Leon, lifelong residents of Ajo, as well as by her sister Nuvia(Patti) Bohanan(Robert “Bo”) and nephews Robert T. Bohanan, Bobby W. Murray Jr. and niece Melissa Bueno. She is survived by her son Ivan Bueno (Monica) who always referred to her as “Little Lady” which brought a smile to her face and her daughter, Sidra Bueno who was her rock. Also surviving are her two sisters, Nora Foster (Lloyd) and Sandi Austin(Robert) whom she had an enviable relationship with all her life. A lifelong friend she loved as her sister, Mary Ann Foran(Richard). She was not only a loyal supportive sister to them, but also to her family and friends as well. Her children gave her four loving grandchildren who called her “Gandy”. They are Victoria Perry of El Paso, Texas, D’Andra Perry of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Alex and Alexyss Bueno of Tucson, Arizona. She is also survived by fourteen nieces and nephews.

Pauline loved music so much that dancing came as second nature to her. Each morning she started her day by listening to “The Drive” while watering her plants and whistling along to the tunes with a little dance step here and there.

Pauline was a devout Catholic with a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. During the pandemic her greatest regret was she could not attend mass. At Pauline’s request services will be private at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Tucson, Arizona.