Celia Lorenza Flores (nee de la Torre) August 10, 1935- February 19,2025, mother and lifelong El Pasoan joined our Lord peacefully at home in El Paso, Texas at the age of 89, with her family by her side She was born to Jose’ de la Torre and Carolina de la Torre (nee Varela) and was preceded in death by her parents, loving daughter, Judith M. Lujan, sister Betty Jo Walker, brothers Richard Xavier de la Torre and Joe de la Torre. She is survived by her husband, Hector Flores, and daughters Martha Rita Warren (Russell Wiemers), Rowena Marie McKenzie (Kenneth), and Barbara Yvette Flores.
Celia belonged to, and was an active member of several Catholic churches in El Paso during her lifetime including Sacred Heart, Holy Family, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Queen of Peace. Celia attended Bowie High School and graduated in 1954. She was a reporter for the school newspaper “The Growler”, and was a member of Bowie’s JROTC Program.
As a parishioner at Sacred Heart church, she taught catechism classes to elementary school children while she was in high school. As a parent, she was a member of Holy Family School and also St. Patrick’s Catholic School Parent Teacher Association, and served as the treasurer for the Altar Society at St. Patrick’s Church. She was also an active member of Unión Católica de San Jose’ where she operated in two distinct roles: Secretary and President of Activities. Celia was also an active member of the El Paso High School PTA, and the Tigers Band Booster Club.
Celia loved to read and her first job was at Popular Dry Goods store in the book department. Other jobs that she enjoyed were as a secretary at Rudolph Chevrolet, Ruby House of Wigs, and she later became a medical transcriber. Her favorite hobbies included cooking, gardening, cake baking, and hosting many family parties and gatherings, especially during Christmastime. She was also a volunteer for Soldiers Angel Holiday Support in Fort Bliss for many soldiers who did not have family in El Paso and many of these army soldiers celebrated Christmas and other holidays with Celia and her family. She enjoyed the company of friends and family on camping trips to Ruidoso and Timberon, New Mexico and several trips to dine and play the slots at various casinos. Celia also had many godchildren and nieces and nephews.
Celia had an exuberant spirit, brought much joy and happiness to others, and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912.
Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere St, El Paso, TX 79912. Graveside Service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907.
