Amparo Salvador's Obituary
Amparo Salvador
2/8/1932 – 7/27/2019
87 years old
There are three notable things that should be said about Amparo Salvador. The first is that she is now at peace, finally with her Heavenly Father, no doubt reveling in all the joys that come with going home. The second is that Amparo never lived a moment of life without giving, showing, or receiving love. And thirdly, her culinary skills could make even the angels hungry.
Amparo, known also as Abu to her grandchildren, used her gifts of faith, friendship, and food as her service to others. She had the uncanny ability to penetrate a person’s heart and foster a unique and individual relationship that was special and authentic, making you feel as if you were the most important person on earth. Her heart was big enough to take in anyone who needed refuge, which seems appropriate, since Amparo means “shelter.” And her absolute favorite way to fill your heart was by filling your belly. There isn’t a single person who had come into her life who she didn’t feed.
Born in the province of Faura Valencia Spain, Abu brought her three children to the United States with the hope of giving them opportunities she never had. Her children, the loves of her life, were her motivation to persevere despite the struggles a new country brings. She taught herself English, became a devoted and faithful member of her church, and worked hard so her children could have access to the education they needed to succeed. Throughout her life, Amparo learned a total of five separate languages, which allowed her to do the temple work that meant so much to her. There is likely no one on this planet who could teach so resolutely about her faith while listening so intently as others taught her about theirs. There was never judgement; just open arms that welcomed all who needed warmth. Our precious Abu did not care who you were, just that you needed love. And she gave it freely.
Her life was lived with intention, meaning, purpose, and full of so much adventure that it was as if she lived 10 lives in one. A true renaissance woman who did not shy from the road less traveled. She volunteered at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for 22 years, where she was named Volunteer of the Year (no doubt due in part to the empanadas and cookies she’d bring every week!). She also published a cookbook, completed a Mission in Madrid, Spain and held position after position within her church, where she served for over 35 years.
Her loving spirit is survived by that family she made, including three children: Karina Leetham, Mati Vizcaino, and Otelo Vizcaino (Monica); nine grandchildren: Karina Peoples (VJ), Melanie Leetham, Barbara Collins (Nick), Sarah Leetham (Mallory), Christopher Vizcaino (Stephanie), Joshua Vizcaino, Emily Vizcaino, Benjamin Vizcaino, and Elizabeth Vizcaino; five great grandchildren: Vida, Jude, Savannah, Kaion, and Mia; her adoring niece Belen (Jose) and great niece Marta; and countless friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rafael and Amparo; and her sister, Teresa.
In the end, when it comes time to leave this life, we all hope to be missed by the ones we leave behind. Because to be missed means you were loved. And above all else — admired, respected, and cherished — Amparo Salvador was loved. Immensely, immeasurably, eternally.
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