Lois Busto Kline

This is written by me to announce my demise. If you know me or are just curious, read on. If you couldn't care less, stop here.

A loving force has escorted me to a perfect existence for eternity. At this news of my transition into the next dimension, I ask that the words "mourn," "grieve," "sorrow" be strictly avoided.

I was born on Valentine's Day in 1926, daughter of the late (VERY late) Judge John and Lois Demeritt Busto. I was very proud to be a third-generation Conch, a graduate of the Convent of Mary Immaculate (class of 1943), and of my Cuban/Bahamian ancestry. I used the challenges that life presented as opportunities to grow and learn, and found great joy in the journey. I embraced the human experience with all its frailties, and walked on the sunny side of the street, practicing patience, patience, patience. I never doubted that Divine Order was always at work. My advice to those who allow themselves to fret about stuff was, "Oh, well! Move on." I learned and believed that "God will show me how" no matter what. I was earthy, politically incorrect, and loved sophisticated smut and student bloopers. I loved rainy days and Mondays, Broadway music, the shows in Las Vegas (no gambling!), cruising (on an ocean liner), "Lion King," "Chicago" and living alone. I loved the 15 years I was employed at Florida Keys Community College, "Jeopardy!" Key West with all the tourists, overbuilding, and potholes, and Barry Manilow. I loved my sister, Sissy McDonald, my brother, John (Mozelle) Busto, my daughters, Linda Leahey, Janet (Bob) Wotocek, and Teri Robertson. I loved my grandchildren, Bill, Bryan (Bird), Eric (Adrieanna) Poulson, Lindsay and Amanda Bullard, Julia Leahey, Luann Porcino, and great-grandchildren, J.C. Leon, Julian Santiago, Jasmine Poulson, and Tonianne Rine, my nieces, Justine (Jarod) Brown and Elaine (Brian) Smith. (They all called me "Lolo.") I valued the people that I was fortunate enough to call "friend." I'll be watching over you.

If I could've changed anything, I'd have had good hair and the ability to dance. If I'd regret anything, it'd be that I never learned to speak Spanish or play piano.

My two husbands made me a better person and taught me how to take care of myself.

There will be a Mass celebrated at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea.

My ashes will be interred in the family plot in the Key West Cemetery that my Bahamian great-grandfather, Gideon Curry, bought for $20 in 1884.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Mary Star of the Sea School.

As I depart, heed this: Be good to yourself, don't smoke or drink alcohol, use sunscreen liberally and really work at a good relationship with God.

Have a joyful life. "Show up, pay attention, speak from the heart, and don't be attached to the outcome."

Look for me in rainbows.

Love, Lois (Lolo)

The Dean-Lopez Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.