Blanca Arciniega

Blanca Josefina Arciniega, 96, of Chicago, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, August 3, 2025, and was laid to rest August 7.

Blanca was the beloved wife of Victor, her husband of 64 years who preceded her in death; the cherished mother of Jorge (Kris) Ariciniega, and Susanna (Kevin) Pierce; the loving mother of Mario (Lupe) Fonseca; known affectionately as “Wita” (short for “Abuelita”) the loving grandmother of Natalie Pierce, Katherine Pierce, Olivia Arciniega, Kyle Arciniega, Adison Arciniega, Antonio Fonseca, and Eduardo Fonseca.

Blanca was born in Quito, Ecuador on May 28, 1929, the oldest of three sisters. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1966. 

Raising her family while working in a factory, Blanca was know for her extraordinary green thumb, growing peach, cherry, and apricot trees from the pits of store-bought fruit. She was also known for her many sun hats she wore around the garden. Blanca was especially fond of her home and of her family (“mi familia”), both of which she kept close to her heart.