Aurora "Dora" Torrez Troncoso

Aurora “Dora” Troncoso was born on January 16, 1927, in Watts, California, at 118th Street and Compton Avenue. She was one of ten siblings and grew up in a large, close-knit family. She is predeceased by her sisters Vera, Hope, Connie, and Tencha; her brothers Raymond, Augustine, and Ralph; her mother, Maria; and her step-father, Augustine, who lovingly raised her.

Dora was the devoted mother of four sons. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Andrew as well as her sons Bobby, Andy, and her youngest baby boy, whom she tragically lost in utero after a car accident. She is survived by her son Vincent (Audrey), her daughters-in-law Barbara (Bobby’s wife) and Christina (Andy’s wife), with special gratitude to Christina who lovingly cared for Dora during the last 10 years of her life. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as well as her sisters Mary and Bea, with whom she shared deep bonds of sisterhood. To Bea, she was more than a sister - she was a second mom.

Growing up during the Depression, Dora spent her teenage years helping her family pick fruit in the fields - strawberries and peaches - since work was scarce. She also helped her mother with the household chores, including the ringer washing machine, once getting her hair caught in the rollers before her mom came to the rescue. She carried humor and resilience through such moments, qualities that would mark her life.

After her husband, Andrew, returned from military service, the couple settled in Lakewood, where Dora and Andrew raised their family and remained for many years. Dora worked at Security Pacific National Bank in downtown Los Angeles and was a faithful member of St. Pancratius Catholic Church. In her later years, she found joy in line dancing with her dear friend and partner, Benny, sharing many happy evenings together. She also loved doing word searches, a pastime that brought her simple joy.

Dora was a fantastic neighbor and friend - loyal, watchful, and caring. Her neighbors knew they could always count on her, and she often looked after them as if they were her own family. It was not unusual for her to field phone calls from her next door neighbor's adult children asking where their mom was when they were trying to get ahold of her and Dora always knew!

Though she suffered from dementia in her later years, Dora met it with grace and humor, often saying, “I have dementia, but it doesn’t hurt.”

Dora will be remembered for her strength, kindness, faith, and love for her family. May she rest in peace and love and may she be line dancing in heaven with all of her loved ones. She will be missed very much and will be remembered always.