Concepcion Vergara

Concepcion del Rosario Vergara, who passed at 95 years old, was born in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines on October 19th, 1927. Her time on Earth came to an end on March 15th, 2023 as she passed away peacefully in her own home in Concord, California. Concepcion was widowed by her husband, Policarpo V. Vergara Jr. who passed away in 2000. She was survived by her 5 children; Susana V. Cofer (Concord), Sylvia Carolyn V. Miguel (Concord), Samuel R. Vergara (Pittsburg), Steven R. Vergara (deceased in 2018, Riverside), and Shirley V. Clifton (Simi Valley). She also has 6 grandchildren; Shane Cofer (Pittsburg), Sean Cofer (Concord), David Clifton (Simi Valley), Luke Vergara (Pittsburg), Sarah Clifton (Northridge), Leonardo Vergara (Pittsburg). She also had 6 great-grandchildren; Sean Cofer Jr. (Concord), Ethan Cofer (Concord), Parker Cofer (Pittsburg), Aaliyah Cofer (Concord), Paxton Cofer (Pittsburg), and Presley Cofer (Pittsburg).

In the Philippines, Concepcion worked as a seamstress at her own small dress shop. One day in 1947, Policarpo V. Vergara Jr. walked into her store for a simple suit tailoring and fell in love with her, their love story began. They got married on April 18th, 1948 and proceeded to have 5 children, 4 being Deaf. Being the incredible role model she was, she was proud and strived to show her children and everyone that they were capable of anything. She also loved to make dresses, notable ones being her own dresses for the weddings of her children, her 40th anniversary dress, Susana and Sylvia’s wedding dresses, and Shirley’s dresses for her proms and debutante. The family were also incredibly blessed by Concepcion’s cooking skills as she loved to cook and cater for her husband, children, and their significant others. She would stand in the kitchen all day, happily preparing meals for her family. Another talent she had was singing. She sang on a local radio station, which reached Japan where her husband Policarpo overheard her on the radio while stationed in Okinawa with the military. Concepcion has also experienced traumatic events as she witnessed the 1942-1945 Japan invasion of the Philippines during World War II. She moved to the U.S. in 1981 when she was 53 years old to be with her husband who moved to the U.S. in 1977, and brought all 5 children with her. She never got a driver’s license, she loved to play at casinos, host parties with family and friends, and prioritized family time. 

At 95 years old, Concepcion lived a full life surrounded by family under the care of God’s hands. Her long, full life would not have been possible if not for the love and care provided by her five children, especially her caregiver of 14 years and daughter, Susana Cofer. She died peacefully in the comfort of her own home among immediate family members after receiving her final rites, prayers, and goodbyes. She is finally reunited with her husband after 23 years and with her youngest son after 5 years. We will remember Mom/Lola as a beautiful, strong, and loving woman who always valued family and spoiled her grand and great-grandchildren. We’ll see you on the other side, and hold you in our hearts, forever.

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