Thelma Melocoton Flores

Thelma Melocoton Flores.  Daughter, Wife, Mother, Lola (Grandmother), and Matriarch of the Melocoton Clan.

Thelma was born in Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines in 1940. Daughter of Vicente and Adela Melocoton and the second oldest of six siblings. She attended the Assumption School for girls from high school through college and received her 1st bachelor's degree.

She met her future husband, Vic Flores, in Manila while studying at the Women’s University in Manila, where she received her 2nd Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition.  After a long-distance courtship, she married Vic and shortly thereafter immigrated to the US in 1967 with their newborn baby, Jun.  Kathy their daughter was born a year later.  Thelma and Vic settled in California to raise their two children only because Chicago was too cold and well the weather in Southern California is so much better.

Together, Vic and Thelma pursued their American Dream. Thelma continued her education and received her Master’s Degree in Home Economics at California State University Los Angeles. Working as a Registered Dietician, she was Director of Food Management and Nutrition at Garfield Hospital in Alhambra. She went on to become a successful businesswoman and an administrator of a Board and Care facility.  Her success was rooted in her strong work ethic and caring heart. She knew how to take care of people and she built a home with Vic that was loving and welcoming.  Together they hosted many guests, parties, and family gatherings.  She loved to cook and her delicious food and good company always brought family and friends together.

Thelma was many things to us; she touched so many lives.  She was a kind, loving and generous soul who valued family and her faith.

After retirement, Thelma found her greatest joy by being a grandmother to her seven grandchildren, who she loved dearly.  She is preceded in death by her granddaughter Faith Carlisle Flores, who was called to welcome Lola to her heavenly home.

Thelma is survived by her husband of 56 years, Vic Flores, son Vic “Jun” Flores III and his wife Kim, daughter Kathy Dahms and her husband Eric, grandchildren Makaylee, Malina, Mathias, Victor Alex, Kyler, Allie and Connor, sisters Araceli “Bing” Kawagoe and Felicia Melocoton as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Thelma will forever be in our hearts and minds.  May her soul rest in peace.

On March 24, 2022, there will be a viewing at 3:00PM at Rice Mortuary.  Immediately following the viewing will be a rosary at 4:00PM; followed by a small wake from 5:00 to 7:00PM.  There will be a second viewing at St. John Fisher Church, March 25, 2022, at 10:00AM with her funeral mass at 11:00AM.  Graveside services will follow at Green Hills Memorial Park at 12:30PM March 25, 2022.