Marcela Urias

Marcela Bustamante Urías, born on April 24, 1929, in Guadalupe, Chihuahua, Mexico, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones at home on November 28, 2023.

She was the cherished youngest of 12 children, proudly known as “La Consentida de todos.” Her mother, Elisa Bustamante (nee Gomez),  raised her in their small Juarez pueblito on the El Paso border. While her father, Justo Bustamante was the town Sheriff, and built the only town church brick by brick.

Marcela, a devoted LA Dodgers fan since 1958, experienced her favorite era with FernandoMania in the ’80s and, at the age of 89, attended her first World Series game in 2018, a heartfelt gift from around 100 of her granddaughter’s friends. She always said it was the best day of her life, until she had her 90th birthday celebration with her closest friends and family. That became her self proclaimed best day of her long life.

A gifted storyteller, Marcela’s tales ranged from traditional Mexican folklorico dancing in school pageants to her adventures in the vibrant Los Angeles dance scene with her best friend Lydia, where she earned a reputation for refusing dance requests from muchachos with dirty shoes.

Marcela’s proudest honor was motherhood, and she extended her nurturing care beyond her five children, helping raise nieces, nephews, and countless others. She profoundly adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her face would light up anytime either of them walked into the room. She’d immediately grab their faces and kiss their foreheads.

Known for her early morning ritual of crafting her legendary flour tortillas, Marcela had a superstition about eating the first tortilla in the stack, often filling hungry hands with rolled up tortillas with melted butter inside.

Her love for music spanned Latin genres, and she danced with joy to mambo, Cha Cha, and Cumbias. Marcela attended memorable concerts, including Pedro Infante and Tigres del Norte, embodying the saying “Mas vale vivir rico que morir rico.”

A devout Catholic, Marcela found strength in prayer, lighting candles for various saints, and always affirming her plans with “Si Dios es Servido.”

Marcela Bustamante Urías is reunited in the afterlife with her parents, her husband Luciano Urias, and her beloved sons, Raul and Jose. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and warmth that will be remembered by her surviving children: Elisa Ramirez (Tony), Yolanda Gietzen (Rod), seven grandchildren (Eddie, Monica, Marc, Sommer, Natalie, and Marissa)  and eight great-grandchildren, as well as all those fortunate enough to be touched by her presence.

Que en paz descanse.