The parishioners at St. Mary's Catholic Church, La Porte, TX collected sweet memories of our humble, fellow parishioner.
Charles Buren—Memories for Eulogy--December 2019
From Geraldine Leslie:
Charles had a sense of humor that made me look forward to seeing him at bible study. It didn't seem to matter the discussion, he would have a story/joke.
His humor always had a touch of wisdom and intelligence.
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Brigitte Barrera:
So sad. He was such a nice Man. We would see him feeding the Sea Gulls at Sylvan Beach many times. He will surely be missed.
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Dianne Gerdes:
I am so heart broken for his family. He was an amazing gentle soul.
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From Victoria Swenson (Single/Single Again Sponsor):
Charles Buren passed away Christmas Day, 2019 around 3 pm at Harbor Hospice in Houston. He wasn't there a week, so suffering was mercifully limited.
His sister Marie Asscherick was with him. Charles also has a brother, Joseph, and two nieces.
He was a sweet, humble soul whose presence will be missed at our social outings, at daily Mass, as well as on the church grounds, tending to plants.
Charles was a member of my Singles social ministry and he went on many trips with the group, along with his former co-worker and best friend, Patti Harkins. She called him her ‘little brother.’
He was always the last one on the bus because he was enthralled with reading every plaque in the museum, especially at Lanier Theological Library. Bayou Bend was another favorite—oh, the plants and flowers and trees! He was in 7th Heaven there!
May he now rest in peace in the Garden of Paradise.
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From Cheryl Frebenius, Church Secretary
God rest his soul. He was a huge blessing to St. Mary's... a silent angel with his gardening!
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From Patti Harkins:
He loved his church and Jesus. He was the most generous and sweetest man, because of his faith.
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From Linda Robles:
Not many people know that Charles is responsible for planting many flowers around the church and weeding the gardens. One time I was planting some flowers in the front of church, and Charles said, “Move over, Lady, I’ll do it.” Together we planted and he carried buckets of water and it is always a pleasure to see them still blooming. Later, when he developed health issues, he said, “Don’t expect me to help anymore. I’m sick.” I told him, “I don’t want anything but your friendship, Charles.” He looked so sad and bowed his head. So much for his ‘tough demeanor.’ When my mother was sick and my brother died in California, he called me long distance and sent me a sympathy card. He had such a soft heart.
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A note from his sister, Marie Asscherick
If one can get to heaven at triple speed, Charlie did it with the help of Fr. Tony Castro, Fr. Dominic Pistone, and Fr. Earnest Sebastin. Each of them gave Charlie the Anointing of the Sick. (Father Dominic married Odie, my husband, and me.)
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From: Rena Hellstein
Charles was a wonderful person whom I had the privilege to know. He was always taking care of the plants at church and smiling while he did. He always had a pun ready during Bible study. He will be missed.
