Francisca Teresa Sharpe Flores

Her siblings, Socorro, Consuelo, Antonio, Mario, Miguel, Alberto and Octavio, happily welcomed their precious baby sister, and soon would give her the nickname of Maricusi after a comic strip character popular at the time. Mari would grow into a much loved sister, playing under the watchful eye of her seven siblings: tricking them out of their marbles; making them worry when she was punished for being chatty at school; hearing their cheers during her volleyball matches; dancing the night with them at endless bailes. She treasured these memories and being the focus of their loving attention and affections.

Marciano Medina Flores would be blessed to meet the young Maricusi during her visits to her sister’s home in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora. He would become mesmerized by the young girl who on a daily basis strolled down the sidewalk practicing walking in heels. Marciano knew at a very young age that he would be blessed if he were to share the rest of his life with this engaging young woman; he would patiently woo and win her over through many love letters. On July 8, 1960, Marciano and Maricusi were joined in holy matrimony in Guaymas, Sonora. Marciano brought his young bride to establish their home in Delano, California, where Maricusi would excitedly begin her life as an American girl and dear sister-in-law to Modesto (Angela), Beatriz (Louie) and Geraldine (Pete).

Maricusi and Marciano would eventually relocate their young family to Van Nuys, CA in 1963.

Maricusi’s greatest blessing was the arrival of her four children, Richard, Rene, Rebecca and Roland (Kathyrn Ellen Dobija). Maricusi devoted her entire life to the formation of her children, lovingly guiding them through life’s celebrations and struggles. Maricusi built a home filled with love, devotion to God, music, good food, hospitality and laughter. She pushed her children to learn and take advantage of their opportunities. She would spend many years supporting the activities of her four children while enjoying gardening, baking, cooking, volunteering at St. Elisabeth Church and School, travelling home to Sonora, vacationing with her children and grandchildren, and forming wonderful memories through her travels supporting the USC football team.

Mari treasured the years spent as grandmother to Dominic Thomas Stella, Alexandra Stella, Jude Francis Dobija Flores, and Joseph Ignatius Dobija Flores.

Maricusi also successfully managed to build a career outside the home. Serv-A-Portion/PPI/Borden Foods, Inc. were blessed with a hardworking and much respected Quality Control Inspector. Teresa (as she was known at work) was a dedicated employee and loyal co-worker and friend for over 30 years-touching the lives of many who crossed her path.

Many nieces and nephews were blessed to know and love a Tia Mari who was like no other. Tia Mari was happy to share in all aspects of her niece and nephew’s lives, and make each niece or nephew feel special. “Tia Mari” will be lovingly remembered as the Tia who organized Lawrence Welk dance parties in the living room on Saturday evenings as well as the Tia who gave the best hugs.

Mari was always the first to hit the dance floor at a wedding, the smiling face to greet and welcome you in any circumstance, a helping hand in a time of need, and always willing to offer moral support to family, friend and stranger.

After a courageous and long battle against multiple myeloma, Teresa returned home to our Lord on September 22, 2016 holding the hand of her husband, Marciano, while looking upon her children who surrounded her with love and concern.

Teresa will be interred at San Fernando Mission Cemetery following a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elisabeth Catholic Church in Van Nuys - her parish of more than 50 years.

In lieu of flowers, the Flores Family requests that you consider contributing to a memorial scholarship to be established in Teresa’s honor at the University of Southern California, Caruso Catholic Center. Donations may be made as follows:

Checks may be written out to: USC Caruso Catholic Center

• In memo part of check note: “Teresa Sharpe Flores”

Mail to:

USC Caruso Catholic Center

844 West 32nd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90007

Online donations can be made at:

• www.catholictrojan.org and click on “Give Now” (Memorial Information is available under the amount section: Add “Teresa Sharpe Flores”) .