Conchita Dela Cruz Florito was born on April 14, 1938 in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines, to Justina Dela Cruz and Bonifacio Florito. Her childhood started off with the Second World War, and she lived for years in the thick jungles around her island. She survived with her mother and brothers while her father joined the Guerrillas. After years passed, she lost her mother during the war, and after her father was left to care for them. They moved from place to place, wherever the wind took them; until she landed in Manila to find work. In her teenage years, she worked as a waitress in Baclaran where she met Miguel Galza, who she later married. They owned a rice and sugar cane plantation in Ormoc, where she spent most of her life working to provide for her family. They had a family of five children together: Ma Luisa, Antonio, Cynthia, Ronald and Dolores; and grandmother to more than ten grandchildren. She moved to America in 2010 to experience a more content life like she always dreamed of. She loved the simple things in life like crocheting, cooking authentic Visayan dishes, and spending time with her family. She was a grateful woman who respected others though she spoke no English. She was independent, strong, proud, laughed easily and smiled beautifully. Most importantly she was an unapologetically herself everyday until her passing. She made our hearts full and will be missed sorely.
