Conchita Orona Franco's Obituary
Conchita Orona Franco
1937-2023
Conchita Orona Franco passed away October 9, 2023, at the age of 85 in Dallas, Texas. She was born in Dallas to Ambrosio and Maria Orona on December 8, 1937. She grew up in East Dallas and graduated from Crozier Tech High School in 1956. Conchita married her high school sweetheart, Richard Franco, and they celebrated their 62nd anniversary on September 2, 2018, before his passing on November 10. Her husband was lead singer, bassist, and keyboardist for the Joker Band, formed in 1962. Conchita helped promote the band at private events and also the dances that they organized for 56 years.
Her career in the real estate tax industry spanned decades, and after she retired, she worked for the
Dallas Central Appraisal Board. Conchita joined the Methodist Church as a child, and was an active member of the Latin American Methodist Church, Mary King Memorial United Methodist Church, and Agape Memorial United Methodist Church. Throughout her life she served in various community groups including: Hope Cottage, Camp Fire Boys and Girls Lone Star Council, Metropolitan YWCA Board, Friends of the Dallas Arts District (Latin Jazz Festival), Hispanic Women of Texas, Agape Memorial United Methodist Women, Latino Cultural Center, and Dallas Mexican American Historical League.
Conchita is predeceased by her husband Richard Franco Sr. and son, Richard Franco Jr.; her parents; sister Juanita Caldwell, and brother John Torres.
She is survived by her brother Freddy Torres; children: Michelle (Franco) and Larry Rolando, Susan (Franco) and Lupe Cordova, Cynthia Franco; grandchildren: Michael Franco, Steven and Jeanette Cordova, Marisa (Cordova) and Alberto Moreno, and James Rolando, and one great-grandchild: Alix Franco.
Family will receive friends between 6:00PM and 8:00PM on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Restland Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will commence at 10:00AM on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home.
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