A Final Goodbye

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Our family and friends assembled today one last time in Pasadena to celebrate our Mother's life.

Asunción "Chuny" Contreras

1924-2023

Chuny, as everyone called her, turned 99 years of age this past Summer.

Here she is seen in her wedding dress in her native Habana, Cuba.

Chuny, on the left, and

her older sister Katie

I'm guessing that they were about seven and nine in this photo.

Chuny and my Father Jorge

during their courting days in Habana

My Father's side of the family ca. 1945

Left to Right: Dad, Mom, Grandmother Amada, Grandfather Mauricio, my soon to be Aunt Eva and my Dad's brother Mauricio, a.k.a., "El Chiquito"

My parents and El Chiquito and Eva were all married in a massive church wedding in Habana in 1946.

My Grandmother Catalina with her

two daughters Chuny and Katie

The final decade of Chuny's life

revolved largely around her

five great-grand children

For all of her married life she was

extremely devoted to my Father

Mom's final services today gave us a chance to see several old family friends.

With Mario Montes and his

daughter Inez

Mario is 92 years young and grew up in Habana. His older sister was a school friend of Chuny and Katie. He was quite the character every time that he was at our family functions and a dear friend to all of us.

Michael, Mario and Andrew

They are seen here at Di Pilla's Italian Restaurant in Rosemead where we gathered for an excellent meal after her interment.

Both of our sons fondly recall Mario always giving them huge hugs every time they saw him years ago.

A special THANK YOU to everyone

at this long time Pasadena institution who

helped make a difficult situation much easier

Our family has had a tremendous relationship with Cabot & Sons since my Grandfather Evaristo's burial services back in 1971.

Rest in Peace, Mom