Concepcion “Connie” affectionately known as “Tita” Orona was born March 14, 1940 in Villa Unión, Durango, Mexico to her loving parents, Candelario and Socorro Irigoyen. She grew up surrounded by a large family of four brothers and six sisters, along with two infant sisters who passed away. Some of her fondest early memories were made in Durango, where she helped her father and family work their land, developing the strong work ethic and deep love of family that would remain with her throughout her life. From there came many treasured stories, one of the favorite being the “police commander” story!!!

Eventually the family began their journey north where Connie met Florenio, the man who would become her husband and the love of her life. They married and made their home on the family ranch in New Mexico where they began raising their family. Connie jumped into the life of a rancher’s wife, trading in her high heels for boots and worked hard side by side with Flo as she affectionately called her beloved husband. She loved being his helper and working together.

When their oldest child was ready to start school, they moved to Springerville, Arizona. There they raised their six children and built a life filled with love, hard work and countless memories in the same home for nearly 60 years.

Connie was a devoted and loving mother, a wonderful grandmother and a gentle great-grandmother who made everyone feel welcome. Everyone was greeted with the words “Welcome home!” Her home was a place where family, friends and visitors could always find a warm smile, a full plate and a place to belong. She expressed her love through the many things she did for others, especially through her cooking and her joy in feeding everyone who walked through her door. She also loved gardening, canning, sewing, crocheting and drawing; taking pride in the things she made and the home she created. One of her special sources of pride was her beloved “wall of fame,” a reflection of the family she cherished so deeply.

Connie had a beautiful, powerful voice and she LOVED to sing. She sang many children’s songs in Spanish with her family that will forever be in our hearts…”Pin Pon”, “Los Tres Marranitos” and “Los Pollitos Dicen Pio, Pio” She enjoyed doing karaoke with George and the family and sitting on the porch, singing. Even in her final days she surprised everyone while in the hospital with her singing, con gusto!!! Her voice brought joy to those around her.

Connie’s determination and dedication were evident in every part of her life. While caring for her home and raising her children, she taught herself English through a correspondence course. She was a woman of remarkable strength, warmth and perseverance. Connie was a beautiful person inside and out and those who knew her were touched by her warm smile, generous spirit, and genuine love for people. Everyone who knew her has a story to tell and each story is a reminder of the lasting impression she made on the lives around her.

Above all, Connie’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 28, 1979 and became a zealous and active member of the congregation. She was part of the Springerville congregation from its early days and devoted herself to sharing the Bible’s message with everyone she met. Her love for people and her desire to share the hope found in God’s Word were among the qualities that defined her.

In her final days Connie was asked what had brought her the greatest joy in life. Her answer was a beautiful reflection of what mattered most to her: going from door to door, teaching people about God’s Kingdom and its promises. One of the promises she held close to her heart is found at Revelation 21:4: “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This promise gave Connie hope, comfort and a reason to keep sharing her faith with others. It was a hope she carried throughout her life and one she lovingly passed on to her children and family.

Through her words and more importantly her example, Connie taught her family what truly matters in life. She showed them the importance of loving one another, caring for others, remaining faithful through life’s challenges and keeping Jehovah close to their hearts. Her legacy is found not only in the generations of family she leaves behind, but also in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, faith and love.

Though she will be deeply missed, the love Connie gave so freely will continue to live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who knew her. Her faith, her example and the hope she cherished remain a lasting part of her legacy as her family looks forward to the fulfillment of the promise she loved so dearly; a time when death will be no more.

Connie had a tremendously loyal dog, companion and friend, Pepper, who was devoted to the very end. He fiercely protected her, even alerted the family member caring for her that something was wrong and quickly found that she had wandered outside at 2:00 a.m. Thank you to the Calvert family and Branch, the 11 year old boy who will enjoy him and care for him in memory of Connie. Thank you Pepper!!!

THANK YOU to all the siblings, their unselfish spouses, our extended family and friends who were always there for us and supported us in so many ways throughout this journey.

The family would like to thank Accord Hospice for their unmatched support and loving care of our precious mother. We will forever be grateful and appreciative of the program and the team that was AMAZING in every way and became family.

Connie is survived by her children, Alonzo (JoAnna) Orona, Lakeside; Lorena (Jim) Girard, Springerville; George (Audrey) Orona, Eagar; Nora (Van) Taylor, Cantonment, Florida; Sylvia (Huck) Huntsinger, Lakeside; Sandra (Jason) Wenz, Neosho, Missouri; sisters, Socorro Irigoyen, Guadalupe Irigoyen, 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Florenio, 4 brothers, 6 sisters, 2 infant baby sisters, and her parents.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 180 Crystal Lane, Eagar, Arizona 85925.