Maria Clemencia Villacis

Maria Clemencia de Villacis Travez Bustillos passed away at the age of 91 on November 3rd, 2025. She was born in Tanicuchi, Ecuador in 1934 and emigrated to the United States in 1962 with her daughter, Dolores Paulina Villacis, joining her husband, Juan Ricardo Villacis and son, Alejandro Fernando Villacis, who had emigrated a year earlier.

Clemencita, as she was affectionately known by her family, came to this country in order to provide a better life and opportunity for her family. She faced and overcame daunting obstacles, such as a new language and an entirely different culture. She persevered and along with her husband provided a loving and nurturing home for her children.

Clemencita was instrumental in helping and encouraging other family members to emigrate legally to the United States and always received them with open arms and a loving heart. Understanding what they faced she was always available with supportive words and kindness.

She lived for family gatherings, christenings, weddings, any occasion to get together, she loved a good party with food and dancing and her cooking will most definitely be missed.

Clemencita was preceded in death by her son, Alejandro Fernando in 2024 and her brother, Jose Travez, on October 23rd, 2025.

She is survived by her husband, Juan Ricardo, whom she was married to for 72 years, and her daughter, Dolores Paulina Ahrens, along with her daughter-in-law, Avelina Villacis, granddaughters Melissa Villacis, her husband Ian Wallace, Erica Pigg(Villacis), her husband Justin Pigg, her son-in -law Gerd(Chip) Ahrens, grandson Adam Ahrens, his wife Jessica Ahrens and their daughter Emily, granddaughter Gabriella Franklyn, her husband Anthony Franklyn, and their daughters Holly and Lilah.

Her strength of character, loving nature and excellent cooking will live on as cherished memories we share forever.

Love you Mom.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 14, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., at St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414, with Father Manny as Celebrant.

Interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906 on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:30 am with a viewing at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Galápagos Conservancy, 1032 15th NW #364, Washington, D.C. 20005.