Irene Pejuan Busot

Irene Pejuan Busot passed away on November 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 13, 1947, in Havana, Cuba, Irene spent her early years between Havana and New York City before settling in Los Angeles as a teenager with her mother, Carmelina, and her sisters. These formative years shaped her Cuban-American identity, resilience, and her zest for life. She carried a special love for both Havana and New York City.

Irene cherished the arts and traditions of her upbringing. In her youth, she was a flamenco dancer, a nod to her Spanish heritage, and an early reflection of the joy, rhythm, and vitality that defined her. She truly moved through life to her own joyful beat.

Irene dressed to express herself, loved art, and was a gifted cook. She was deeply moved by music, dance, and theatre, and she savored performances whenever she had the opportunity. Her artistic sensibility was also reflected in her love of fashion and her keen eye for accessorizing. She also expressed her creativity and care through her fabulous cooking, transforming traditional favorites, including Cuban recipes, into plant-based masterpieces to support her daughters’ convictions and to nurture the health and well-being of all those she loved.

Irene was an exceptionally loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Her daughters, Yvette and Elizabeth, were the center of her world, and she found immense joy in her grandchildren, Caleb and Isabela. She created a home filled with love, and brought warmth and celebration everywhere she went.

Raised Catholic, Irene lived her faith through compassion, gratitude, and service to others. Her life was a reflection of goodwill and grace, guided by kindness and humility. Her kindness extended to animals as well, and she lovingly fostered and adopted several throughout her life.

Irene's love embraced her entire family and extended family. She is survived by her daughters, Yvette and Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Caleb and Isabela; her sister and confidant, Elba; her nieces, Yasmin, Yamila, and Ivana; her great-nieces, Valentina and Evelyn; and extended family members and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her mother, Carmelina, and her sisters, Mirta and Marta.

A favorite quote, displayed on Irene's refrigerator, captured how she lived: “It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter.” True to this, she scattered kindness, laughter, and encouragement wherever she went. Her radiant smile will forever shine in our hearts and minds. Her memory is a blessing.

A Mass celebrating Irene’s life will be held on Thursday, December 26, at 10:00 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach, California. All who loved her are welcome to attend.