Blanca Aurora Calderon

Mom was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to everyone that crossed her path.

Surrounded by her loved family here in the US, abroad in Spain and South America we gather today to celebrate her extraordinary life.

Blanca Aurora Calderón Cancelado, 90, a devoted mother, wife, friend, and pillar of her faith community, peacefully passed away on February 3, 2025. She goes on to join the love of her life, Carlos J. Calderon in heaven. They met in 1953 in Bogota where they were both working towards their careers in the medical field. She was married to her beloved husband, Carlos J. Calderon for 60 years. She became widowed 11 years ago. Together; they created a life filled with adventure, laughter, & unconditional love. Together; they went on to create the next generation of Calderon Cancelado’s. As a mother of three, grandmother of five, and great grandmother of one, Blanca instilled her family oriented values and devotion to the Lord in her family. She led by example, volunteering within her community and her church and being a part of all their different services and activities. She is survived by her three children Henry, Herman, and Ruth, her 5 grandchildren Justin, Christopher, Shawn (Henry), Delia Veronica (Herman), Fernando Andres (Ruth), and her great grandchild Audrey Victoria (Delia) , their families, and a vast network of friends who became a part of her family.

Born on May 29, 1934, in Bogota Colombia, Blanca had an extraordinary gift for nurturing life and creating beautiful lasting relationships with all those around her. Blanca had 5 siblings: Victor, Pedro, Pablo, Alicia & José Francisco.She was raised by her aunt Elvia from age 7.

Her faith was deeply rooted in the church and the Catholic religion. Where She was educated by a Sister's order in Bogotá called Maria Auxiliadora from the age of 15 until she was 19. During her time there, she studied nursing at Jose del Carmen en la Hurtua. Her passion for always helping the sick and needy within her community was the thing that prepared her to follow the field of nursing. Blanca's listening ear and sage advice made her a confidant to many, and her legendary "friendship and love for people," contributed by friends from all walks of life made her the most beautiful and most caring person in both Ocala, Apopka, and in Casselberry Orlando.

Blanca's home was always open, serving as a gathering place for family and friends. She fondly told stories of times where she would host parties for her children and their friends - making sure her home was a safe haven for joy, laughter, and lots and lots of dancing.

Last year when we celebrated her 90th birthday, she danced even in the parking lot with her walker - a bright reminder of her joy and appetite for life. She was always dancing through life. That’s how she lived her life - savoring every moment - dancing praying and cooking delicious Colombian dishes, not only for the family but also for the whole church where she was always involved. She passed away on the day when we celebrated a day with no immigrants and she just said it’s my time she was peaceful and smiling because she knew that she had done everything in her reach for her three children as someone who came from Colombia when her children were still babies, and understanding that immigrants need a helping hand around them, she made it her life long purpose to be a loving, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, teacher, nurse. May she rest in peace and continue to guide us.

Mom! Perdón si en unos momentos no tuvimos el tiempo de comprender sus momentos difíciles. Tal vez aun tenemos tiempo de reflexionar.

Le grite, La culpe de muchas cosas que yo no entendí.

Te escúche en silencio?, te di atención que necesitaste aunque siempre te dije las mismas cosas.

Fué paciente, ríe contigo, me quéde cerca aunque pensé que no quedó nada más que pudieras enseñarme.… Fui a verte tan a menudo como lo tenía que hacer y pudiera hacerlo.

En cualquier momento te hice sentir sola?. Te entrege alguna ves una flor. Te regale un beso, una caricia, una sonrisa?.

Te saque a cenar, un paseo también fue suficiente… Si no tuvimos tiempo, lo encontramos? Si estuvimos lejos, te lláme. ¡Hazlo, no lo aplaces! Hazlo antes de que esa silla esté vacía. Ella está esperando por ti… Toda madre sostiene lo eterno, donde siempre hay perdón…

Feliz y bendecido dia a toda nuestra familia y amistades.