Sordo Bueno Obituary (1932 – 2022) – Modesto, CA

Miriam Bueno Sordo Pope
December 10, 1932 – July 14, 2022
Modesto, California – Miriam Evangeline Bueno was born on December 10, 1932 in Carora, Venezuela to Assemblies of God missionary parents, Theodore and Kathryn Drake Bueno. She had two brothers Elmer and John who were both prominent Assemblies of God missionaries. She died on July 14, 2022 at her home in Modesto surrounded by loving family, friends, and wonderful caregivers.
She graduated from Santiago College (an American High School) in Santiago, Chile in 1949, Bethany Bible College (3-year degree) in 1952 (she was valedictorian), Vanguard University (4-year degree) in 1953, received a teaching credential from the University of La Verne in 1955 and began teaching second grade in the Hudson School District at Hillgrove School. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Education from California State University Los Angeles. Her career spanned over 30 years as an elementary, remedial reading specialist and high school teacher. She taught Spanish at Modesto Christian High School for many years.
She was married to Vicente Sordo (native of Spain) in June 1956 in La Puente, Ca until his death in 1988. They met at the Latin American Bible Institute where Vicente was a student (he was valedictorian), and Miriam’s father was the superintendent of the college. They both later taught at the college. They had 3 children: Mark, Bryon, and Cyndi.
She was married to Otto Pope in September 1993 in Modesto until his death in 2016. They were both active members of Celebration Center church in Modesto. According to Pastor Susan Bagley, “Her life exemplified godly living through example. She made herself available to young and old, rich and poor. She was a teacher through and through. Miriam prayed for others at the altar every Sunday following service. People would literally stood an extra hour in line to be prayed for by her. The impact she had and the legacy she left cannot be overestimated.”
She is survived by her brother: John; three children: Mark, Bryon and Cyndi; daughters-in-law: Grace and Shelley; grandchildren: Michael and his wife Karen, Rachael and her husband Nicholas, Vincent, Catherine, Matthew, Brent; and great grandchildren: Maggie, Logan, Mason and Ariana.
A celebration of her life will be held at Cyndi’s home on September 10 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, send donations to ChildHope https://www.childhopeonline.org/. Miriam faithfully supported this organization (started by her brother John in El Salvador) for over 50 years.

Published by Modesto Bee on Sep. 4, 2022.

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