Filomena Prieto

Mena dedicated her life to her husband, Antonio Prieto (deceased), her two daughters, Rosa Maria Prieto and Maria Luisa Prieto de Flores. She was also a very proud Grandmother of three, Andres Jaime Flores (deceased), Vanessa Idania Flores and Christian Antonio Flores. In her last few years of life she enjoyed visits from her two Great-Grandchildren, Moises Sebastian and Emma.

Mena’s love of life included cooking authentic Mexican food. Her specialties were enchiladas, chile de molcajete and hand-made tortillas for family and friends. Whenever she made tortillas her grandchildren were excited to see here roll some of them and shape them into “little donkeys”. They loved to see their Nana make these for them. She also enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, completing word-search puzzles, going to Curves Gym on a daily basis, and volunteering at the Convent, Little Flower Haven located in La Mesa, California. Additionally, she participated at the Live Well Senior Center. There she attended Monday through Friday and loved it! But indeed, her biggest love was traveling. Some of her favorite trips with her grandchildren included traveling to Puerto Nuevo for lobster, Cancun and to Lake Arrowhead every year. When Maria would inform the children of the Lake Arrowhead trip, their first question was always, “Is Nana and Tata going?” Once Maria confirmed that they were going, the grandchildren would start jumping up and down, applauding with excitement.

Other trips included traveling to Mexico City every year with her husband, Antonio. She would also travel every year with her sister, Socorro Martinez (deceased) to various cities and towns throughout Mexico. In later years she traveled to Mexico City with her sister-in-law, Sister Mary Alice from the Convent, Little Flower Haven. Her biggest trip however, was when she traveled to Europe with her daughter, Rosa and fiancé, Thomas Wischgoll. There they visited Germany, the Netherlands, Venice, Florence, and Rome. While in Rome they had the opportunity to visit the Vatican where she felt very fortunate to have attended an audience with Pope Benedict. Throughout her trip in Europe, her favorite dessert was gelato. She would call out to Thomas, “Quiero nieve!” every time she saw a gelato shop.

Mena’s daughters wish to acknowledge with deepest gratitude, Jaime Flores, her son-in-law for his dedication and for all of his assistance throughout the 38 years of marriage to her daughter Maria. Mena and her husband, Antonio would always say to family and friends that they didn't view their son-in-law as such, but rather as their own son. They both loved him very much. It is also with the utmost sincerity and gratefulness that we wish to acknowledge Thomas Wischgoll for his help and support throughout the last 15 years for Mena and her daughters. Although her husband, Antonio never had the opportunity to have met him, Mena clearly showed her love and affection for Thomas.

It is with sincere appreciation that Rosa and Maria wish to thank Silvia Larr and Rosa Torres for their support and strength over the last few days of Mena’s life. Deep appreciation is also rendered to Elizabeth Hospice and the Villa Rancho Bernardo Skilled Nursing Facility.