June 8, 1921 - January 8, 2022
Francisca Consolacion "Conchita" Arriola Cruz passed away peacefully and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven, on January 8, 2022, at the age of 100 years. She was born in Dingras, Illocos Norte, Philippines, on June 8, 1921 to Gabriel and Emiliana Arriola, one of 10 children.
Conchita was a talented seamstress and received a diploma in dressmaking and fashion. She owned a dress shop in Manila, Philippines with her sister, Basilia "Bess". On April 12, 1946, Conchita married Antonio Juan Cruz, who waited to welcome her to Heaven, since his passing on April 14, 1988.
After coming to the U.S. in 1948 when Antonio was released from the U.S. Army with an honorable discharge, they settled in the Lodi, California area. Antonio was resourceful to find employment and free housing and utilities for Conchita to stay home and raise their five children.
Conchita leaves behind a godly legacy to those five children and their families: George Cruz (Leigh), Marlene Cruz (& Edward) Young, Kathy Cruz (& John) Rodriguez, Antonio A. (& Tracy) Cruz, and Charles A. (& Denise) Cruz; Grandchildren Kacy Rodriguez, Joshua Rodriguez, Gabriel Cruz, Jessica Cruz, Kayla Rodriguez (Lance Weckerle), Antonio Jordan Cruz, Britney (& Cody) Brum, Josh (& Natalie) Moore, and Shallyn (& Kenny) Admire. Great-Grandchildren Lane Joseph, Landry, Logan & Liam Weckerle; Izzy, Isla & Jimmy Brum; Asher, Liam & Reese Moore; McKenLyn & Kenny (Jr.) Admire.
Conchita was reunited with only three of her nine other siblings when her brother Johnny Areola (Nieces & Nephew Jenny, Josie, Rosalie, Virgina & John (Beth) and sister Juanita Ariola Cruz (Niece Audrey) and brother-in-law Fabian (Niece Henrietta "Lolly", Nephews Ricky & Tommy) settled in the U.S., also, and her sister "Bess"(Niece Nimfa) visited years later.
A private service will be held by the family.