Obituary of Agnes C. Bussone

Agnes passed away while fighting her last medical battle on November 12, 2017, surrounded by her family in the days and evenings prior to her passing. The "Cat of Nine Lives," we all thought she'd continue on to her "Tenth Life." Agnes was born in Santa Cruz at the old Sister's Hospital to Francis and Carmie Pedrazzi. She was the youngest of five siblings (Catherine, Tony, John and Lew) who have preceded her in death. Raised in Gilroy, Hollister and San Jose, Agnes graduated from Notre Dame High School in San Jose - Student Body President - Class of 1946, making forever friends with Jeri, Barbara, Harriet, Nadene and others. She was proud that her class was able to celebrate their 70th high school reunion last year of which she took part. She attended San Jose State University, received a Bachelor's and Master's Degree and became an elementary school teacher in her early adult years. She met her husband, Armand, while working summers at Almaden Vineyards in San Jose. They were married in 1951 and spent 63 astounding years together until Armand's passing in 2015. After her teaching career, Agnes raised their only child, Fran, and they became inseparable. She was also a caregiver during this time to her elder parents, in-laws and aunties. She then became interested in real estate, becoming a realtor in San Jose, dragging Fran to many open houses and finding every dead-end street, it seemed, while previewing property each weekend. Later, she became a real estate broker, before moving to Santa Rosa, California for Armand's work with Geyser Peak Winery. She focused her expertise not only on houses but vineyard properties in Sonoma County, walking many, many acres during her 30 years in business. Throughout this time, she developed lifelong friendships with her business contacts, clients and neighbors, all becoming "her family." She became "Mom" to Fran's friends as well, accepting all in to her heart and home. Agnes was always there with helpful advice, a secret stash of funds or fun-filled adventure to share. Upon retiring, she and Armand returned to Santa Cruz, the ocean town they both loved. Agnes pursued her interests with Friends of the Library; attended and sponsored local artists at Open Studios; re-established old friendships and hosted our annual family reunion. She continued with her lifelong passion for sports, especially football, and her seasonal football bets with family members. She continued purchasing lottery tickets and playing games of chance, always with the thought of winning the next big payout to help family, but never herself. In later years, plagued with various medical issues, she rose above these trials and became friends with her wonderful doctors, nurses and pharmacists creating a social club of sorts. If you met Agnes, she immediately became your friend and would forever help you in any way she could. Her sense of humor; that "Mom" look you would receive if she disapproved; the twinkle in her eye when she was coming up with a new scheme and her irreverent independence will be forever missed. Our hearts are heavy and broken with our loss. Our Matriarch is gone. Agnes is survived by her daughter, Fran; son-in-law, Lee; grandchildren, Alana, Heena, Adam, Maria and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Alexa and Ander; sister-in-law, Norma; nieces, Marlene, Toni and Gayle; nephews, Anthony, Don, Jack and Mark; many cousins, family and friends; and her always companion, Lulu Kitty. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 5 - 8 PM with a recitation of the Rosary at 7 PM at Santa Cruz Memorial - Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street Ext., Santa Cruz, CA. A Catholic Mass in her honor will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 1 PM at the Oblates of Saint Joseph - Shrine of Saint Joseph, 544 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA with a committal ceremony to follow at Santa Cruz Memorial Park. She will always be "Forever 39!"