Lupita Antonia Bustos

Lupita Antonia “Toni” Bustos March 31, 1940 – September 16, 2024 Lupita Antonia “Toni” Bustos, a cherished mother, grandmother and friend, went with our heavenly Father on Monday, September 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in her home. She was 84.Toni was born on March 31, 1940 in Casa Grande, Ariz. but was raised in Eloy, Ariz. In 1959, Toni made the big decision to move to Salinas, Calif. to be closer to family and for work opportunities.There, she met and married Joseph Villages Cota before moving to Earlimart, Calif. in the mid-1960s. By 1965, Toni had relocated to Delano, Calif., where she lived out the remainder of her years.A smart and driven woman, Toni deeply invested herself in her Delano community – volunteering her time alongside her brother, Roberto Bustos, to the United Farm Workers of America. Lending her hands and heart to the fight for fair treatment and pay for farm workers, Toni helped the cause by striking, picketing, and distributing flyers.In 1978, Toni began her walk with the Lord after being baptized in the name of Jesus at the Earlimart Apostolic Church. Later, she found her spiritual home at the Delano Apostolic Church, where she gathered with the congregation under the loving guidance of Pastor Claudio Herrera.Toni had a lifetime passion for education and children. After taking several courses in child development at Bakersfield College, Toni worked as a teacher for the Delano Head Start Center for several years before taking on the position as childcare director for the Delano Union School District’s Fremont Superstar. After retiring with 22 years in the position, Toni was lovingly remembered for having changed the futures of countless children in the Delano community.Toni’s devotion to her faith and community was further demonstrated by her nearly 10 years of service as a Sunday school teacher at the Delano Apostolic Church. Her passion for nurturing young minds extended beyond Sundays, as she also dedicated her time to working as a substitute teacher at the Delano Apostolic Academy. Toni’s warmth and wisdom left a permanent mark on the hearts of countless children and families.Toni had a heart full of endless love and dedication to her family. In addition to raising her four children, Joey Cota, Virginia Cota Rodriguez, Gloria Cota, and Benjamin Irizarry, Toni raised her grandchildren, Antonette Cota Dano, Jacob Ebaniz, and for a short time, Nathan Irizarry, as her own. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and nurturing, a testament to her boundless capacity to give and to love. Each child and grandchild cherished the joy of receiving her thoughtful gifts,especially on Christmas, when her love shone brightest in the form of beautifully wrapped presents.Her generosity and the joy she brought to the holidays became treasured memories.Toni was preceded in death by a son, Joey Cota; her parents, Maria Sin fuentes and Francisco Bustos; and her siblings, Ruben Bustos; Tila Sanchez; Fidel Bustos; Manuel Bustos; Francisco“Chico” Bustos; Ramon Bustos; Jesus “Chuey” Bustos; Jose Bustos; and Consuelo “Chelo” Aguilar.She is survived by a brother, Roberto Bustos; a sister, Jessie “Susie” Holquin; three children, Virginia Cota Rodriguez, Gloria Cota, and Benjamin Irizarry; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.