Nita Fortuno-Puzon

Nita Fortuno-Puzon, 87, of Port Neches, went to be with our Lord on June 2, 2019, surrounded by family and adored with endless love and affection. She was born on November 20, 1931, in Manila, Philippines, to Marcelina and Melecio Fortuno. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and best friend who dedicated her life to providing the best for her family and those she considered her extended family.

She lived selflessly and gave herself fully to everyone she met. She was known affectionately as “Mommy Nit” and acted as a second mother to many. With a bachelor’s degree in Education, she taught English and Mathematics for many years in the Philippines. After teaching, to enable her to be a stay-at-home-mom with her seven children, she went into business – first, owning a dress shop for baby clothing. Later on, running and taking over a rice mill from her parents. As her elder children finished college in the Philippines, she moved across the ocean to the United States where she worked as a babysitter and eventually a cook for the executives at Formosa Plastics in Port Lavaca, Texas.

She enjoyed traveling, cooking, reading, sewing, and especially watching her favorite Filipino soap operas. Hobbies aside, she was most proud of her family. She could brag and tell stories of each child and grandchild with detail and excitement. She made each and everyone feel important and valued. A family secret was always trying to figure out who was her real “favorite.”

Thinking of her brings smiles to our faces because we know how blessed we are to have had her in our lives. She taught us too many lessons to count, and we credit her for our biggest accomplishments. She leaves behind a legacy based on her three most important virtues – faith, love, and respect. A part of our hearts will always hold her presence, and the memories we keep will be filled with laughter and happiness. She worked so hard and sacrificed so much for us, and we will never forget her impact. We will love her forever.

Survivors include her sons, Julito Puzon and his wife, Esther, of Manila, Philippines; Peter Puzon and his wife, Joy, of Bellaire; Oliver Puzon, of Houston; daughters, Claire Cabangan and her husband, Ernie, of Port Arthur; Lin Rupley, of Round Rock; Cristy Tuazon and her husband, Rey, of Port Lavaca; Cecile Cosca and her husband, Fermin, of Port Neches; Antonette Woodward and her husband, Mark, of Cypress; grandchildren, Eileen and her husband, Steven, with great-grandson, Steven; Edward and his wife, Sharon; Faith; Eve; Jackie and her husband, Tyler, with great-grandson, TJ; Samantha; Renee; Christian; Gerard; Clarissa; Don; and Deanne and her husband, Blaine, with great-granddaughter, Reese.

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-one years, Jorge B. Puzon; parents, Marcelina and Melecio Fortuno; son, George Puzon, Jr.; three sisters and four brothers.

A gathering of Mrs. Puzon’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 6, 2019, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2006 Nall Street, Port Neches. Her committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.