Loving mother, grandmother, wife

Brenda Denise Busuttil, a longtime Claremont resident, died on Sunday, January 20, 2013 of a weak heart after a long, courageous battle against cancer. She was 57.

Ms. Busuttil was born on April 1, 1955 to Andrew and Janet Anziano in El Monte, California. She lived in El Monte for many years before moving to San Bernardino. After graduating from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, she attended San Bernardino Valley Community College, taking classes in business and accounting.

Ms. Busuttil was a single parent to her son, John, for many years, juggling parenthood with a career performing bookkeeping and inventory for a large construction company. She was offered her own store in Orange County, but she declined because the hours were long and she wanted to be with her son.

In March of 1983, she met the love of her life, Robert Busuttil, and they were married on May 14, 1983 in Carmel after a whirlwind courtship. They made their home in Claremont for many years before moving to La Verne.

Ms. Busuttil had a vast interest in collectables, jewelry and antiques, with a keen eye for the unique and precious. In 1985, she opened her own business in Claremont, the Tic Toc Doll Shop.

Originally located in the Village, the shop moved to a spot on the second floor of the Old School House. Along with fine furniture, clocks and dolls, the shop featured coin-operated machines stocked with food for the ducks in the Old School House’s fish pond. 

Eventually, Ms. Busuttil closed the store to spend more time with her family, which had grown to include another son, Jason, and a daughter, Marie. She transitioned to the role of homemaker and home-school teacher and considered raising her children her most important avocation.

Ms. Busuttil enjoyed camping, fishing and weekend travel to unknown destinations for the sheer pleasure of the drive. She also loved heading to local casinos for shows and entertainment. She particularly enjoyed going to nightclubs to watch her son, Johnny Main, perform as lead guitarist for the noted blues/roots-rock band The 44s.

In the spring of 2012, The 44s partnered with musicians like Kid Ramos and the legendary Los Lobos (“La Bamba”) to perform a benefit concert for Ms. Busuttil. She was deeply touched when this array of accomplished musicians dedicated songs to her.

“She became a princess for the local musicians, just loved for her warmth and charm,” Mr. Busuttil recalled. “For me, she was my dance partner—all the glory was hers.”

Ms. Busuttil had an abundant love for her children and grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all, according to family.

“My wife, friend, companion, my world and the air I breathe rests in Jesus’ arms,” her husband said. “My heart is broken but I must let you go until we meet again.”

Ms. Busuttil is survived by her husband of 30 years, Robert Busuttil; by her sons, John and Jason; by her daughter, Marie; by her daughter-in-law, Cynthia, and by her beloved grandson Connor. She also leaves her sisters, Pamela, Sherri and Judy; her brothers, David and Joseph; her mother, Janet Anziano; and numerous relatives and dear friends, especially Debie and David Mueller.