Aurora Palacios Mendoza Flores died peacefully on July 9, 2020. She is preceded in death by her husband, Florencio, her oldest son, Florencio Jr., her sisters, Dolores, Clara, Rebecca, her brother, Louie and her parents. She is survived by Dolores Flores, Ray Flores, and Rachel Flores Clay, son-in-law William Clay, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was born July 31, 1923 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno, California to Luis and Cruz Palacios Mendoza, both young immigrants from Mexico. Luis and Cruz met in California and married in Reedley, California. Aurora was the oldest of their five surviving children.
Aurora married Florencio Martinez Flores in Phoenix, Arizona, July, 1940. When he was drafted during World War II, she and their two children returned to California. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he joined his family. After two more children, they decided to stay and raise their four children in California. They were together until his death in 2008.
Aurora attended schools in Fresno and Mendota, California. She often spoke of her disappointment of not completing her education and needing to obtain a job due to the financial impact of the “great depression” on her family. It was her goal that her children have the opportunity to finish high school. Due to her encouragement and support, all her children obtained their high school diplomas and advanced degrees.
Later, with her children’s encouragement, Aurora, her husband, and her sister completed their high school diplomas through the Fresno Adult program. Aurora also attended Fresno City Community College, completing courses related to her employment with the Fresno City Unified School District.
Aurora worked hard all her life. She felt any employment was honorable and was to be done to her best ability. She had a tremendous work ethic and retired from the Fresno City Unified School District at age 75.
In her retirement, she continued to provide encouragement and support to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She will be very much missed.
