Magdalena "Magola" Cotes Bueno

Magdalena Cotes Vanegas de Bueno (Magola) On Saturday December 4th, 2021 at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving family from both sides of the Veil, passed away peacefully. Gently lifted into the hands of the Lord.

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Magdalena was born Aug 7, 1935 in Bogota Colombia, to Martina Vanegas de Cotes and Luis Rafael Cotes Molina. She was the youngest of six children. Magdalena was raised in Bogota, Cartagena and Barranquilla. In her early youth she moved to Panama with her mother, and later attended school and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Barranquilla Dental School. In 1955 she married Jaime Bueno with whom she had six children. In 1965, they moved their young family to Maracaibo, Venezuela, where they made a living and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Magdalena held many callings in the church serving her fellow man throughout her life. Magdalena's true passion was her family. In 1986 Magdalena move to Utah to join her children while they were going to college and helped them raise her 17 grandchildren by opening a daycare to which she dedicated 20 wonderful years of services. In the words of her favorite song (Lullaby of God) "A place for my children to play with the moon, a place for my children to play with the sun, until they reach the clouds, I will like for God to hold them." In 2006 She retired to Florida to be with and care for her sister, while enjoying the warmth of the sun. Magdalena was a very talented woman who could create and transform the most unexpected projects into amazing pieces of art. Her beautiful home was a place of inspiration and love. Her warm smiles, bold words and honest opinions were always respected and welcomed. Her willingness to serve and provide an unconditional love inspired many to call her “Mother”.

Magdalena is preceded in death by many family members, Petronila Ovalle (grandmother), Martina Vanegas (Mother), Luis Rafael Cotes Molina (Father), Siblings: Gregorio, Petra Gerdts, Fernando, Ramiro, Camilo, Lucho, Nelson, Jaime Bueno Vásquez (spouse) , Julio Ramiro (nephew), Jorge (nephew), Martha (niece), Magdalena (niece), Martha Babativa (daughter-in-law), Mia Bueno (granddaughter). She is survived by her sister Sara Reyes, her children and spouses: Jaime (Amalia) Bueno, Blanca (Roberto) Zapata, Ernesto (Betty) Bueno, Ricardo Bueno, Evy (Josue) González, Nahir (Lee) Strout, Aleida Bueno, 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, many loving nieces and nephews and you long-time friend and companion Ruby.

When faced with death, we are reminded of how there are no guarantees for tomorrow, and we cannot take for granted those that have blessed us with their presence here on earth. We are so lucky, blessed and honored to have had Magdalena in our lives.