Obituaries

Hortensia was born in Santa Paula on December 15, 1926. She was the fourth child of Joe and Angela Bustamante. She was a homemaker virtually all of her adult life. She was a graduate of Santa Paula High School, Class of 1944.Hortensia was an avid reader and a budding amateur poet. In her high school and young adult years, she enjoyed taking photographs of friends and family, as well as posing for the camera. She had a beautiful smile and was very photogenic.When her children were small, Hortensia could often be heard singing or whistling tunes of the 1940s. She was an excellent cook and was known for making tasty Mexican food dishes.Hortensia was a people person. She made friends easily, and she made a point to visit shut-ins, older relatives, and anyone who could use some company. Usually she would bring them a home-cooked treat. Even in recent months, as a resident of Twin Pines nursing home, she made it her mission to visit other residents who did not get many visitors, or who were impaired and needed a helping hand.Hortensia enjoyed the spiritual and social benefits of El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church, where she was a member. She missed that fellowship when it became too difficult for her to drive to church. She rekindled her connection with her church when, as a resident of Twin Pines, she participated in the Saturday morning worship services they put on there.Above all, Hortensia took delight in her children. She spent many hours of one-on-one time with each one. It was the highlight of her day whenever she got to visit with her children, whether in person, on the phone, or in a letter. She was proud of their accomplishments, and she took great satisfaction knowing that all her children were happy.Hortensia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Amador, a son, Daniel, and two siblings, Edward Bustamante and Josephine Barajas. She is survived by her sons, Robert and his wife Barbara of Napa, California, Larry of Ojai, Rick of Alexandria, Virginia, and Paul and his wife Alexandra of Olympia, Washington; daughter-in-law, Judy Blackard Chavez of Issaquah, Washington; three siblings, Robert Bustamante of Metuchen, New Jersey, and Alice Romero and Helen Leal, both of Santa Paula; sister-in-law Dora Reyes of Santa Paula; along with five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 11 at El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church, 1029 E. Santa Paula St. in Santa Paula. A time for remembrance and refreshments will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Hortensia’s name to El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church.Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula St., phone 525-3391.