Obituary of Maria Elena Flores

Maria Elena's journey ended on Sunday, December 18, 2011 with her son Tony holding her hand and her siblings, nieces and nephews surrounding her. Helen's soul went up to heaven on a chariot pulled by flaming horses. She was met by the nine choirs of angels and is now resting in Jesus' loving arms. As a young child, at about five years of age, on Holy Saturday, Helen raced into the house exclaiming to our Mama that she had just witnessed " un carro de bestias blancas caminando por los cielos." Helen was born in Abo, NM on September 28, 1928 to Juan Blas and Gregorita Flores. She was the second child of eight living children and therefore became "Mama's helper." When she was sixteen the Family moved to Vaughn where she graduated from high school in 1946. She moved to Albuquerque in 1954 to attend business school. She was a hard worker and through much sacrifice managed to buy a home where she continued to live until her death. Helen's only child, Tony was her pride and joy. It was very important to her for Tony to get a good education. She worked diligently throughout his childhood to give him the best schooling possible. Helen had a great love for children and often helped care for the children and grandchildren of her sisters. She enjoyed baking, sewing and was a talk radio fan. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and best friend, Marcia, Amalia Juanito and brother-in-law Roman Silva. She is survived by her son Tony, sisters Ramona and husband Bill, Margaret and husband Gilbert, Sally and husband Dennis, Connie and husband Nick, Kathy, and brother Manny, her godchildren Dolores Salas, Denise Guerrero and Johneye Gayle Storey, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones. A rosary will be held Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 pm at Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima at a later date. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Vaughn at St. Mary's Catholic Church with interment at Evergreen Cemetary. Time and date are pending. We would like to thank Hospice of the Sandias and her caregivers, expecially Mary Lou. We love you Maria Elena.. You will always be in our hearts and prayers.