Sonia Bous' Obituary
Lizzie Sonia Bous, lovingly known as Mima, was born on February 24, 1943, in Matanzas, Cuba, and passed away on January 25, 2026, at 11:57 a.m., surrounded by her family, at the age of 82.
To her grandchildren and to many, she was Mima. A name spoken with comfort, warmth, and deep love. To the world, she was fierce, bold, passionate, and unwavering. She was a loving Mother, Sister, Tía, Madrina, Mima, Boss, and Friend, and she carried each role with strength, conviction, and devotion.
Sonia was a Christian woman whose faith was not quiet or passive. It was lived. It was practiced. It was fierce. She believed in truth, in freedom, and in standing against evil, no matter the cost.
She came from Cuba, where she witnessed firsthand the destruction and cruelty of communism. She did not turn away from that reality. She fought against it. She spoke against it. And she helped many escape it - opening doors, creating paths, and offering hope to those desperate for freedom.
America was not just a place she lived; it was a miracle she cherished. She understood what freedom meant because she had seen what its absence does to people.
To those who knew her best, Sonia was strong, opinionated, loving, protective, and unwavering. She taught her family that faith is not something to hide, that courage matters, and that good people must never stay silent in the face of evil.
Mima was safety. She was warmth. She was love without condition.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emilia Laudelina Díaz Cruz and Rafael Cruz, and by her niece Miriam Cruz.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Bibi Bous Loyola, her son-in-law Marino, her brother Rafael B. Cruz, her sister-in-law Eleanor, her niece Dr. Roxana Cruz, her nephew Senator Ted Cruz, his wife Heidi, and their children Caroline and Catherine, her grand-nephew Joey Cruz, her cherished grandchildren Audrey Sol Loyola Diaz and her spouse Andrew, and Diego Loyola and his spouse Grace. Tatiana Gallent and her children Bobby and his spouse Connie and their son Leo, and Julio and his spouse Angie and their son Julito, Pita Teniente, and the many adopted families she gathered and loved along the way.
Today, while our hearts are broken, we do not grieve without hope. We believe Sonia has been welcomed into Jesus’ holy presence, restored, healed, and at peace.
Her legacy lives on in the lives she saved, the values she instilled, and the family she fought so hard to protect.
We will carry her faith forward.
We will carry her courage forward.
And we will never forget where we came from, or what she stood for.
What’s your fondest memory of Sonia?
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Share a story where Sonia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sonia you’ll never forget.
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