Esperanza G. Flores

Hopie was born on August 4, 1943, to Guadalupe and Rosalia Garcia in Elsa, TX. While she wasn’t a college graduate herself, she instilled the values of education and hard work in all her children. As a single mom to four kids, she worked hard as a seamstress and cosmetologist to ensure her family was able to make ends meet. She led by example, but it did take a village.

Hopie exemplified living by faith (constantly speaking of her direct conversations with Jesus) and loving her family. She was extremely close to her parents, her siblings, her children, her grandchildren, her nieces, her nephews, and her many friends. She came from a large family, and several of her siblings were bonus moms and dads to her children – helping raise them as part of her ever-supportive tribe. She had many bonus children as well, treating her kids’ closest friends as her own.

Hopie loved life, and she loved to make people laugh. She was accepting of anyone and everyone — never judging, always loving unconditionally. She was selfless. Generous. Kind. Funny. Able to instantly endear people to her by calling them “mijo” or “mija” — whether Hispanic or not. She just exuded acceptance and love.

Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She also loved watching her San Antonio Spurs and Texas Longhorns. She was an amazing cook, and a gambler, too. She loved trips to Kickapoo, playing bingo, or just staying home and playing cards with her children, siblings, nieces, and nephews. There were always lots of laughs (and plenty of jabs) to be had while playing poker or rummy.

It is comforting to know she’ll be joined, once again, with her card-playing family members who preceded her in death. Parents: Guadalupe Garcia and Rosalia Garcia. Brothers: David Garcia, Sr. and Abel Garcia (Delia). Sisters: Mary Carrillo (Ben), Mona Vallejo (Robert), and Janie Garcia.

Hopie is survived by her children: Joe Flores, Jr. (Rose), Elsa Flores, Sergio Flores, and Rose Angell (Rusty). Her bonus children: Trina Pfaff and Ben Pfaff. Her beloved grandchildren: Jayden Flores, Dylan Angell (Stephanie), Taylor Rodriguez, Melia Mendoza-Flores, Bella Ramon, Brandon Mendoza-Flores, Addyson Angell, and Asher Angell. Her great-grandchildren: Allyson Angell and Danny Angell. Brother: Johnny Garcia (Eva). Sisters: Rosie Vasquez (Andrew) and Emmie Garcia.