Concepcion "Conchita" Travieso

Born in El Salvador on December 8, 1933, Concepción built a remarkable life defined by courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. She eventually made her home in the United States, where she lived with her son, Jeremiah “Wilfredo”, and the love of her life, Israel — affectionately known to most as “Kike.” Through their marriage, she also gained a Cuban spirit, earning the nickname “la cubanita regalada” from Kike’s friends, a title she wore with pride and laughter.

Resourceful, talented, and endlessly determined, “Conchita” worked many jobs throughout her life, never afraid of hard work or sacrifice. When she was younger, her greatest joy was cooking — filling her home with the aromas of her delicious meals and the laughter of those lucky enough to sit at her table. Her food nourished not just the body, but the soul. Some of her most famous dishes included pan con chumpe, rabo encendido, and her unforgettable lasagna, each one made with love, patience, and her signature touch of perfection.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted servant of God, Conchita shared her faith with others through prayer, evangelism, and generosity. She often participated in vigilias, where she would sing, pray, and encourage others to trust in God’s goodness. Out of her own pocket, she helped fund missionary trips to Cuba, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica — always believing that spreading God’s word was the greatest gift she could give. Her conviction was fierce, her prayers constant, and her love for the Lord never wavered.

Conchita is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Nahara and Will, and her nephew Jose Guillermo “Mito” Guerrero, whom she loved like a second son. She took immense pride in her family — including Nahara’s children, Genesis and Josiah, and great-great-grandson Karson, as well as Will’s daughter Livvy and his wife Julissa. She also shared a deep bond with Silvia, her former daughter-in-law, whom she loved and continued to call family long after the marriage ended.

Strong-minded, faithful, and unafraid to speak her truth, Conchita lived with both grit and grace. Those who knew her best remember her quick wit, her famous regañadas, and the warmth that always followed her honesty. She was tough when life demanded it, tender when love required it, and unshakably loyal to those she held close.

In her later years, as dementia slowly dimmed her memories, her faith and spirit still shone brightly. Even when her mind wandered, her heart never did. She continued to recognize love — in a familiar face, a soft voice, a shared prayer — reminding all who loved her that even when the body fades, the soul remembers.

Conchita’s family takes comfort in knowing that her story doesn’t end here. Her strength, her laughter, and her prayers live on in the generations she shaped. Her memory is a blessing, and her love — fierce and eternal — remains the quiet rhythm in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

“Even when she forgot, she still loved — and that love will never be forgotten.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Opica Adult Day Program at opica.org or Alzheimer's Los Angeles at alzheimersla.org.