Carolyn Norma Buono

Carolyn was born Carolyn Norma French on January 20th, 1931 to Ralph Lawrence French, a radio repairman, and Neva Daphne Gutches, the dean of the San Diego College for Women (before it merged with San Diego University, a men’s college, to form the University of San Diego). She completed the family along with her six-year-old sister Judith, who passed away in 1993.

She was born and raised in San Diego. At the time of her birth, the family lived in what’s now known as South Park before settling in Kensington. She attended Herbert Hoover High School where she met the love of her life before he transferred to San Diego High. They kept in touch and dated on and off, and in 1950 he was inducted into the United States Army. After boot camp, he was stationed in San Diego as a typist (avoiding Korea thanks to a typing course he completed in high school), and they continued to date when he had leave. In 1952 he was discharged and in February of 1953, Carolyn became Mrs. Guy Buono.

After the service, Guy continued his budding career as an aerospace welder and Carolyn found a position at the phone company in the billing department. In 1956 they proudly bought lot #91 of the Arnold Knolls Annex in North Park for $12,900 and watched as the included home was built from studs to landscaping.

After the birth of their first daughter, Lynnette, in 1957, Carolyn quit her position at the phone company to become a full-time homemaker as she had always dreamt of doing. It certainly was her calling. She excelled as many 1950’s homemakers only longed to. The Buono house was always ready for company, the household finances were meticulously managed and the laundry was always folded and put away but what she famous for, was her excellent cooking. A home cooked meal was served every evening shortly after Guy returned home from work.

When Carolyn wasn’t running the house she loved to read and chat with friends. She was a proficient seamstress, making curtains, dresses, and even doll outfits. She also loved running Lynnette’s Girl Scout Troop and later in life, playing Bocce on Sundays with Guy and a large circle of friends.

Above all, she loved to travel. Whether by RV, cruise ship or plane, she couldn’t wait to get out and see the world. She and Guy did quite a bit of RV camping in their younger years but really enjoyed their bigger trips once Guy retired. They set up their trust and automatic bill payments and left for weeks at a time, worry free.

After Guy’s death, Carolyn pursued her dream of trading in the house for a condominium (Guy had resisted because he loved tinkering in the garage). She put a down payment for a unit in North Park’s La Boheme development while it was still under construction. As the completion date approached she was placed in a lottery with other initial owners and won one of the few units with a large patio. The family watched her blossom as she decorated the entire unit to her liking with bold colors and a contemporary mission style. The end result was polished but also warm and welcoming and she beamed with pride.

Carolyn slipped away from us peacefully on March 16th surrounded by family. Her passing is heartbreaking but also merciful, as she was suffering from Alzheimer’s. During the three-day vigil her family came to say goodbye and reminisce. She heard lots of sniffling and nose blowing but also lots of laughter and family memories.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Lynnette and Sandy, sons-in-law, Don and Jared, her four grandchildren, Matt (and his fiancé Debbie), Meghan, Adam and Hannah, and her five great-grandchildren, Jesse, Alex, Audrina, Aidan and Gianna.

Please join the family as they honor and remember her. A visitation is scheduled on Monday, March 26th from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Goodbody Mortuary. The service, at Goodbody Mortuary Chapel, will began at noon followed by a small gathering at Goodbody Mortuary. After the gathering is complete, we will make our way to Holy Cross Cemetery for the Graveside portion of the services.

The family would like to thank the entire Sunrise staff. Their love and care for their residents is remarkable. They would also like to thank the staff of VITA’s Hospice Care. Their constant presence, reassurances and explanations were invaluable. Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9120&9120.donation=form1

Please sign the guest book.