Concepcion Carman

      Many things can be said about Concepcion Carman. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Concepcion was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

       Her parents were Roberto and Delfina Sametier. Concepcion was raised in San Antonio, Texas. When she was young, Concepcion's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Concepcion demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

      Concepcion grew up with one sibling. She had a younger sister named Ramona. Concepcion was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Concepcion carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Concepcion was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

      As a young girl, Concepcion was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Connie could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in dancing. She was a member of the Catholic Youth Group. In her spare time she liked music and art. However, to Concepcion, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

      During her high school years, Concepcion had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Concepcion had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Concepcion was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Concepcion as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

      Always considered a “good” friend, Concepcion sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Concepcion always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Concepcion's friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Concepcion would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Concepcion was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. Later in life, she became friends with Fran Petraco and Pete and Lois.

       Compassionate and devoted, Concepcion worked hard to make her new family happy. By trusting her emotions, Concepcion did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Concepcion was truly a person of empathy.

      Conncepcion's quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Concepcion shared these values with her one child, one son, Harold Carman. Concepcion was also blessed with five grandchildren, Mary Lynn, Harrel, Benjamin, Nicholas, and Samantha. Concepcion related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

      Concepcion experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was her primary occupation was banking. She was employed for 10 years by Lloyd's Bank. Concepcion always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Concepcion took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Concepcion was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Concepcion continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

      Because she was organized and methodical, Concepcion took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were art and calligraphy. Concepcion enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

      Throughout her life, Concepcion was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Concepcion was known to her peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Concepcion was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting her own needs aside. Concepcion's involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Concepcion's ability to bring valued principles along with her. In high school, Connie was a member of the Catholic Youth Group. In college, she continued involvement with the Catholic Youth Group. Throughout his later years, Concepcion was an active member of the Lynwood Women's Club.

      Concepcion's faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Phillip Neri for 43 years. During that time, she was involved with youth ministries and catacumin. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

      Concepcion enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Concepcion were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included San Antonio, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada.

      Concepcion was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Concepcion's favorite was Dum-Dum, her dog, and loyal companion for 19 years.

      When Concepcion's retirement finally came in 1990, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Concepcion had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Concepcion knew exactly what she wanted to do. She retired to Los Angeles. In retirement, she found new pleasure in volunteering at church, and increased involvement with her grandchildren. Even in retirement, Concepcion continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Concepcion passed away on January 29, 2008 at her home in Lynwood, California. She went peacefully in her sleep. She is survived by her son Harold, his wife Michelle, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and sister Ramona. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home. Concepcion was laid to rest in All Souls Catholic Cemetery in Long Beach, California.

      Throughout her life, Concepcion was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Concepcion leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Concepcion Carman.