Published: May 16, 2008 11:34 am            

Herminia Flores

Herminia Flores leaves behind a 78-year legacy of hard work ethic and family devotion.

She passed away April 13, 2008, succumbing to cancer following a heroic fight that typified the inner strength she displayed throughout her years.

Herminia was born in the farming community of Norhein on Sept. 29, 1929, the eve of the Great Depression. She entered the fields at an early age and worked at Brown School and The Baptist Academy in San Marcos before moving to Joliet, Ill., where she found work in a multitude of factories before once again moving to California and returning to field work. Herminia continued to work with her strong hands during her moves to Palestine and Elkhart, in East Texas.

Herminia found an inner passion during the ballroom dance era, gracing dance halls in Aurora as well as Joliet with friends that would remain life long. Throughout her life, family and friends could count on finding a feast awaiting them at her table. She had a smile that, all at once, said she knew you well and loved you anyway.

She also raised four children from infancy until her illness prevented her from continuing. Christina and Claudia Lopez, Martha Hernandez and Oscar Alonzo.

Herminia was preceded in death by her parents, Maria and Agustin Flores, two brothers, Agustin “Gus” Contreras and Agustin Flores and sisters, Emma Gonzales, Juanita Flores, Panchita Flores, Polita Flores and Maria Mosqueda.

She is survived by her daughter, Blanca Flores Leal of Hampshire, IL; her sister and brother, Lucy Moreno(Jose) of Martindale and Guadalupe Flores (Dominga) of Dumas; a very special nephew, Ysidro “Chico” Contreras (Anita) of San Marcos; grandchildren, Granville Davis and Paloma Hamilton of Hampshire, Ill.; nephews, George Contreras (Gloria) of Houston, Joe Moreno(Mickey) of San Antonio, Alex Moreno of Maxwell and Marty Moreno (Lori) of Redwood and 13 other nephews and nieces, Evangelina Ramirez of Manchaca, Guadalupe Gonzales of Luling, Viel Flores (Hela) of Dumas, Mario Flores (Yolanda) of San Marcos, Guadalupe Flores Jr. of Florida, Fred Flores (Chris) of Houston, Rick Flores (Amelia) of San Marcos, Emma Flores (Dave) of Dumas, Janie Flores of Dumas, Vetel Flores ( Hope ) of Dumas, Noe Flores (Lenora) of San Marcos, Hope Flores and Millie Flores of Dumas, Minga Flores of Amarillo and Art Flores of Dumas.

Surviving great nieces and nephews are Ana Maria, Isa, Lisa, Estella and Ysidro Jr., all of San Marcos.

Her family offers its gratitude to the nursing staff at Hays Nursing Center, especially Michelle, Bonnie, Gigi and Blanca, all the aides, especially Josh, the hospice nurse, Anne and Pastor Roger Hagen of hospice.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Martindale with Father Victor Mayorga officiating.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomason Funeral Home, 2001 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, 396-2300

        

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