Cecilia Bueno a cherished wife, mother, sister and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully on March 13th, 2025 at the age of 87 surrounded by her loving family. Her life was a rich tapestry woven with passions, accomplishments, and an unwavering love for her family and friends. Cecilia grew up in the small mining town of Weston, Colorado with 5 brothers and 4 sisters where she was baptized, received her first holy communion, confirmation and went to school.
She would often tell stories of their humble life as the child of a father miner and mother homemaker. But labels barely begin to describe their career talents. Her father was a loving encourager. Her mother was a loving disciplinarian. You could often hear her tell stories like helping her dad prepare adobe brick mud for their ever-expanding family and home started in 1937. He would carefully comb straw and sift the dirt to make sure there was nothing harmful and allowed them to march in the mixture with bare feet.
She attended Primero High School down river from Weston where she proudly participated with the cheerleading team.
Cecilia gained much experience from home chores and helping her mother with duties for local wealthy rancher homes. Her first job was a waitress at the Monument Lake restaurant in Weston, CO. She fell in love with a young man named Gilbert Bueno like a snippet from a love story, describing a character caught between her “chores” and a budding romance. She grew up in an environment where discipline and responsibility were of virtue and highly valued. The balance of love and structure really shaped her work ethic and sense of responsibility. She left home when she married the love of her life Gilbert. This began her journey as a military wife and mother. Their military travels took her budding family to New Mexico, Washington State, Michigan, New Jersey and Italy. They always returned to Colorado during Gilbert’s long deployments to Okinawa and Vietnam twice. Cecilia managed the family with the virtue and values of her parents throughout Gilbert’s career. She developed a lot of resourcefulness and resilience over the years. Being able to create comfort and stability no matter the circumstances. She learned a deep sense of adaptability and care in preparing a hot meal and warm bed in any temporary home she was given, of which there were many. Son Dennis counts 29 public schools in his rearing years. Cecilia's ability to juggle raising four children, managing the household, and still pursue her career education in cosmetology is incredibly impressive. It shows not only her determination but also her ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
After all those years of hard work and sacrifice, they finally settled into a peaceful life in Colorado, to lose Gilbert so soon at age 50, was heartbreaking. Losing a husband at 46 and having the grown children moving away at the same time created a deep sense of emptiness for her. Cecilia’s resilience and faith were truly remarkable. It’s inspiring how she was able to lean on those qualities to navigate through such a profoundly difficult time. Faith in God offered her a sense of hope, purpose and strength to keep moving forward despite the heartache. Our Lord graced her with resilience and love.
Cecilia’s new normal began by immersing herself in cosmetology, enjoying her adult children, new grandchildren and caring for her parents while still living in Pueblo. After her parents’ death she moved to the Colorado Springs Strawberry Fields community where she lived out the rest of her life.
Cecilia enjoyed cooking for “anyone” who needed or crossed the threshold of her home. She sewed and altered clothing for her family and friends, cutting, coloring and styling clients’ hair at her home and theirs. She served her church family at St Joseph’s Catholic Church where she was a parishioner for nearly 25 years. She was truly a woman who lived her life in service to others. She loved her family and friends dearly and could not wait for the next time you walked through her door to visit her. Her neighborhood “family” often said her smile was contagious and her heart bigger than Pikes Peak. She loved her Colorado mountains and although well-traveled she decided long ago to never leave her home. An insatiable reader, loved to dance and listening to music. She was a big fan of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Andrea Bocelli and many Mariachi artists. She loved it when she could go listen to her son Dennis perform with local jazz bands.
Above all Cecilia cherished her family. Her unconditional love and zest for life will live on in their hearts. Her bond with her children was the cornerstone of her life. She loved her husband Gilbert deeply, and was looking forward to dancing with him again in heaven.
She is now enjoying her new normal with Gilbert and the countless other believers who preceded her in death. A white dress-robe and a mansion is where she now rests. God greeted her on March 13th with the words “Well done my good and faithful servant, well done.”
She is survived by her son Dennis Bueno (Maria), Daughters Deneyse Maestas, Beverly Bueno (Randy), Sharon Shatto (Douglas), Gloria Kyle, brothers Art Rico (Dorothy), Phil Rico (Beatrice) sisters Annie Johnson, Rose Guerrero (Will), Mary Ellen Archuleta. Predeceased by her husband Gilbert Bueno, son Gradon Bueno, father Raymundo Rico, mother Soledad Rico, brothers Joe Rico, Leroy Rico, Freddy Rico, and sister Vera Roberto, brother in laws Glen Johnson, Isaac Archuleta, and John Roberto.
Pallbearers:
Michael Vidales - Grandson
Robert Vidales - Grandson
Edward Kyle - Grandson
Joseph Maestas - Grandson
Seth Bueno - Grandson
Chris Nissen - Grandson-in-Law
A visitation will be held Monday, March 24th, 2025 from 5-7pm at Swan Funeral Directors, 501 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO. A 10:30AM Rosary with 11AM Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, March 25th at St. Joseph Catholic Church with reception to follow, 1830 S. Corona Ave. Colorado Springs, CO. Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, March 26th at Roselawn Cemetery, 1706 Roselawn road Pueblo, CO.
Instead of flowers please give donations to the following in Cecilia Bueno’s name:
MS Society Ways to Give: Ways to Give: MS Donations & Fundraising | National MS Society
Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care | Colorado Springs, CO
Retired Enlisted Association https://trea.org
Veterans group of choice
