Iluminada Elsa Concepcion

Iluminada, known as “Elsa,” was born in Isla de Pinos, Cuba to Fabián and Fidelina (nee Martinez) Blanco on November 29, 1939. She married Jorge Armando Concepcion on August 9, 1956 in Havana, Cuba. She immigrated to the United States in 1971 as a young widow with three children, first arriving in Miami before settling in Naples, where she began cleaning houses—the work to which she’d dedicate the rest of her life—to support her family.

Elsa’s strength and resilience were only matched by her vibrant warmth. She loved cooking for family and friends in her spotless kitchen, spent countless hours gardening her yard, and was often found salsa dancing. Her American citizenship made her almost as proud as her son George’s service in the US Navy. As a housekeeper with humble roots, she taught her family the importance of courage, community, and hard work.

Elsa is preceded in death by her husband, Jorge; son, George Albert (né Jorge Alberto); and brother, Irenaldo.

She is survived by her daughter, Maria (Jack) Redding of Naples, FL, and son, Carlos Concepcion of Naples, FL; grandchildren Chris (Rachel) Concepcion of Burke, VA, Lauren (Brett Harvey) Redding of Naples, FL, Carl Redding of Chicago, IL, and Brittany Concepcion of Holiday, FL; four great-grandchildren; and sisters Alma and Wilma Blanco of Cuba.

A visitation for Elsa will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home At Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, Florida 34108. A Celebration of Life will occur Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108. A reception will occur Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, Florida 34108.

Elsa’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to VITAS Hospice of Naples.