Pauline Shubel Bužan

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Pauline Buzan
Pauline Buzan

A longtime resident of Laguna Beach, Pauline Shubel Buzan passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2013, at the age of 92.

Pauline (Pauli) was born Oct. 22, 1920 in New York, the day after her parents immigrated from Slovenia.  She grew up in a cultural milieu and was active in her Slovenian-American community in Brooklyn, singing and dancing with various Slovenian organizations. She attended secretarial school, and was later hired by the U. S. Office of Censorship where she met the love of her life, artist Boris Buzan.

In 1943, Pauli joined the first class of Women Marines and was stationed at El Toro Marine Base in California. While enlisted, Pauli combined her love of a good time, rebellious spirit, and terrific work ethic as a cook in the officer’s mess.

Boris and Pauli married at the San Juan Capistrano Mission on Feb. 17, 1945, settled in Laguna Beach, and raised three children.  Boris was a longtime exhibitor at the Festival of Arts, where the family could be found most summer evenings. Engaged and active in the community, Mrs. Buzan posed for several seasons in the Pageant of Masters and played minor roles at the Laguna Playhouse.  They twice owned a restaurant on Beach Street, and, in later years, enjoyed time together strolling on the Main Beach Boardwalk.

In 1999 and at the age of 79, Mrs. Buzan fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer. She served two years in Jamaica, where she taught small-business skills and tutored school children in reading until the age of 81.

Throughout her life, Buzan loved helping others. She baked hundreds of cabbage rolls to raise money for the United Farmworkers Association, volunteered at the Laguna Beach Historical Society, and rolled up her sleeves whenever anyone needed a hand.

May Pauli’s spirit, zest for life, and compassion for others live on in those of us who had the good fortune of knowing her.

Buzan is predeceased by her husband of 39 years and survived by her three children, four grandsons, and their spouses.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 at the Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave. A graveside service with military honors will take place Feb. 26 at noon, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Calif., 92518.

Memorial contributions can be made to the United Farmworkers Association or Slovenian Union of America.

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