Buenaventurada "Buena" Opina

Buenaventurada “Buena” Opina, age 95, went to be with our Lord peacefully in her sleep on May 20, 2020 in Hemet, CA. She was born on July 14, 1924 in Cebu, Philippines to the late Fabio Navarro and Francisca (Alesna) Navarro.

Buena grew up in Carcar, Cebu, following the footsteps of her parents who pioneered the Salvation Army in the Philippines. After world war II, she entered the Salvation Army Training school and was subsequently commissioned as a Salvation Army Minister. In her first assignment, she met her future husband, Cupertino, who soon thereafter entered the Training School. Upon completion, they were married in April 1953. Various assignments took them throughout the Philippine Island. In 1971, the family migrated to the United States, and continued Salvation Army ministry in Koloa, HI. The following year, the family moved to Oahu, HI, and Buena worked in the hotel industry. In 1985, she moved to San Diego, CA to be with her children and grandchildren. When her husband followed few years later, both devoted their time assisting in caring for their grandchildren. In 1994, Buena and Cupertino finally moved to their retirement home in Murrieta, California.

Buena lived a simply and spiritual life. She dedicated her life to The Salvation Army ministry. After retirement, she actively attended the Kauluwela Mission Corps in Honolulu, HI, Kaneohe Corps in Kaneohe, HI, Citadel Corps in San Diego, Escondido Corps in Escondido, CA and Murrieta Corps. Buena’s passion was family. She loved family gatherings and cooking for her grandchildren, who were amazed at how she could cook a delicious meal or snack from what was available. For instance, she could make a pizza by toasting bread and then adding catchup and cheese. She could make pudding from breadcrumbs and fruits. She loved sharing the Bible, always quoting her favorite Bible verse, John 3:16.

Buena is survived by her husband, Cupertino F. Opina, Sr., of 67 years; children, son Rick Opina of Temecula, CA, son Cupertino Opina, Jr of Murrieta, CA, daughter Kathleen Prokop of San Jacinto, CA; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; brother Brengle Navarro of Hilo, HI, and sister Jessie Folnsbee of Murrieta, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Claudia Begonia and Rafaela Quirionez.

Viewing will take place on June 13th, between 10am and 12pm, and by schedule only. Please contact Rick Opina 951 541 7568, or Cuper Opina at 951-500-0483 for your viewing schedule. Celebration of Life will be held at the Salvation Army Murrieta Corps at 2pm. Seating is limited, so please call Rick by June 8th if you plan to attend.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during the last seven years. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes monetary donations to be given to her chosen charity.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’– Erma Bombeck