Consuelo Zapata Vargas Marquez, lovingly known as Connie, was born on January 21, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas, to her beloved parents, Consuelo Zapata Vargas and Jesse Herrera Vargas, who preceded her in death.
For more than 45 years, Connie devoted herself to her career as a cosmetologist, a profession she truly loved. She generously shared her talents by providing complimentary haircuts to countless missionaries and serving others with kindness and compassion.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Connie lived her testimony through service. She found great joy in family history and genealogy, attending the temple, and sharing the gospel through her Christlike example. She expressed her love by preparing meals for her family and for the many missionaries who were always welcome in her home. She was also known for her beautiful handwritten letters, thoughtful birthday cards, and the special way she stayed connected with loved ones near and far.
Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Cruz Marquez Jr.; her parents, Consuelo Zapata Vargas and Jesse Herrera Vargas; and her cherished sisters, Jacovita Vargas Rose, Frances Vargas, and Mary Jane Vargas.
She is lovingly survived by her son, John Michael Jaramillo and his wife, Anna; her daughter, Caroline Cruz Vasquez and her husband, Guillermo; her treasured grandchildren, Guillermo Vasquez III, Julianna Jaramillo, Joshua Jaramillo, and Jacob Jaramillo; her sisters, Dolores V. Zuniga and Gloria Vargas Rose; Dora V. Chavarria and her brother, Jesse Herrera Vargas Jr.; her mother-in-law, Monica M. Marquez; and many beloved Cousins, nieces, nephews, & extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were blessed by her love.
After making her home in Downey, California, for 35 years, Connie peacefully passed away on July 8, 2026, at Rose House in Whittier, California.
Connie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, gentle spirit, and unconditional love for her family and all who knew her. While her presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the knowledge that this is not goodbye, but simply “Until we meet again.”
