Concepcion "Conchita" Cruz

Concepcion Yupangco Cruz, was born on December 4, 1933 in Cavite, Philippines.  She was the youngest in a family of six children.  She went to the University of the Philippines and obtained a degree in Business Administration.  During college, she met and fell in love with Paul, and in 1959 Conchita made the long freighter ship journey to Toronto, where Paul and his brother John had already emigrated to begin their careers.  As Paul built his career, and Conchita focused on raising their three children, the Cruz’s lived in Charlotte, NC, Dayton, OH, Clifton Springs, NY, and then finally settled in Boca Raton as they embarked in starting their own business, Valve Research and Manufacturing Company.

Conchita worked full-time, side-by-side, with Paul to grow Valve Research.  She endured many years of financial hardship as the company gradually made a name for itself.   She worked diligently to help Paul grow the business, but also lovingly raised Patricia, Michael, and Steven.  Even though she didn’t need to, she continued to come to the office a few days a week, up until a month ago.

For the last 30 years, Conchita enjoyed bowling every Thursday with her “Lady Popers” from Pope John Paul II HS.  She also enjoyed doting over her grandchildren, especially taking them on shopping sprees to Town Center Mall.

Conchita is survived by her sisters, Tessie and Soly, her husband of 59 years, Paul, her children, Patricia Kilgallon (& her husband Paul), Michael (& his wife Karen), and Steven (& his wife Diana), her grandchildren, Michelle, Brian, Emily, Julie, Hannah, Jack, Lindsay, Paul, and Kyle, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Conchita’s favorite charities, The St. Jude Hunger Program at St. Jude Church, 21689 Toledo Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33433.

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