Donor Highlight

A Humble Attitude Leads to Noteworthy Success

Despite her many accomplishments, successful business ventures and inspiring faith life, Elizabeth Concepcion has very little to say about herself. She doesn’t boast, and she doesn’t brag. But in the lean details of her life that she does share, others gain an understanding of some of the characteristics that define her. Two of those characteristics seem contradictory, until you take a look at Elizabeth and how she melds them.

First, Elizabeth is very independent, and has been for most of her life. The youngest of six children, she was born in the Philippines. During World War II Elizabeth’s father returned to the Philippines, and her mother commuted regularly between the Philippines and Hawaii. Elizabeth, however, remained in her homeland until she graduated from high school. Her father planned to move to the United States, but he died shortly before the move was to take place.

Elizabeth then left the Philippines, the only home she had ever known, to move to San Francisco, where most of her siblings had relocated. She began working full-time and attended the University of San Francisco, earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Although many family members were nearby, Elizabeth often felt alone.

“I am grateful for my family,” Elizabeth explains, “but many times I didn’t feel that we really knew each other well. We grew up at different times, in different places. I sometimes felt like I was an only child.”

Soon after graduating from college in the 1960s, Elizabeth pursued a career in real estate. At the time property in California was relatively inexpensive, and Elizabeth focused on property that would be a good investment. Twenty years later she sold her properties.

Retirement was out of the question, as Elizabeth thrived on her work. So she launched a new career in foreign exchange and check cashing. She eventually sold that business, and before long she began an endeavor that allowed another significant characteristic of hers to shine through. In spite of her fierce independence, Elizabeth is an altruist, and she welcomed an opportunity that would allow her to utilize both her management skills and her people skills. She opened an assisted living residence for developmentally disabled men. The home accommodated 25 men, ranging in age from 18 to 59.

“It was a joy going to work,” Elizabeth recalls. “I taught the residents many basic things, like how to get dressed or wash their clothes. Eventually they called me ‘Momma.’ ”

When Elizabeth began having health problems, a doctor advised her that a more arid climate might help. In 2000 she traveled to Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada before settling in Boulder City, near Las Vegas.

This time she really did intend to retire. However, an invitation to buy another residential facility, this one for Alzheimer’s patients, won her heart. Elizabeth decided to go back into the business of helping others.“I think that part of my career made me the happiest,” Elizabeth says.“I cared for people who had no one else in their lives. Knowing I could take care of them and make a difference brought me a lot of satisfaction.”

Despite her busy lifestyle, Elizabeth always has taken the time to support the Missionary Oblates in many ways, and she has named the Oblates as the main beneficiary of her Living Trust.“I’ve made the best of myself because of God’s help. I’m not rich, but I’m comfortable. Now, it’s payback time. I’m glad to help others receive something they need,” says Elizabeth.

In July Elizabeth helped to organize a group of Oblate Associates in her area. Oblate Associates are laypersons who gather in small communities and partner with the Oblates in prayer and support, choosing to care for the poor through individual and collective works of service.

While Elizabeth can look back at all the accomplishments in her life, more often she looks forward to each new day and what it holds for her life and for the lives of all those she touches.