Rafaela M. Flores

Our beloved mother, Rafaela Mena Flores, 96, was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Rafaela (Faila) was born on October 24, 1925 in El Paso, Texas, to Jose and Maria S. Mena. She grew up on Ochoa St. in the Segundo Barrio, in a modest home shared with her parents, seven brothers and two sisters. She attended Aoy Elementary School, where she met her future husband, Manuel N. Flores. Faila left Bowie Jr. High School to care for her mother, who had epilepsy. Six of her seven brothers proudly served in the armed forces and happily played the role of her dancing partner while on furlough and whenever there was a party or dance (and there were many). Faila worked as a 16-Food Corral cashier and as a day care worker at First Baptist Day Care Junction, where she is still fondly remembered. She was a devout Catholic whose faith never faltered. While she loved going to the casino and playing 31 and Bingo, her greatest joy was spending time with family. As the matriarch of a large and loving family, Faila was instrumental in organizing the first annual Mena Family Reunion, a tradition that was recently interrupted by the Covid pandemic. Faila was known for saying “Always be happy”, “I’ve lived a beautiful life”, and “That’s life.” Her quick wit, story-telling, words of wisdom and generosity will be missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Manuel, two sons Manny Jr. and Charlie, granddaughter Sandi Madrid, great-grandchildren Marcus DuCote, Dezzmin and Quinci Scott, Izaiah Jones, and six brothers: Candelario, Roberto, Nemesio, Jose, Jesus and Enrique Mena.

She is survived by her children: Dolores F. Sandoval, Janey Madrid, Cecilia Flores-Wiltrout, Elizabeth Flores-Casillas (David), Phillip Flores (Lori), Gene Flores (Joan) and daughter-in-law Sally Flores. Also left to cherish her memory are 16 grandchildren: Marsha, Monica, John (Stephanie) and Steve Sandoval, Michael Madrid (Jennifer), David Flores (Michelle), Claudette DuCote, Melinda Jones (Fred), Michelle Flores, Manny Flores III (Belinda), Angel Torres, Mandie Flores, Matthew Cardona (Veronica), Bethany Winfield (Atticus), Michael A. Castaneda, and Micah Machida (Salina); 21 great-grandchildren: Jazlyn Sandoval Collins (Stephen), John and Olivia Sandoval, Mykal, Danyl and AJ Madrid, Nathan Aguilar, Myranda Vitela, Anthony DuCote, Daunte Palmer, Ilizha and Dahlyn Jones, Kinnadee Robertson, Daizha and Jarod Scott, Kya, Taj and Tyson Flores, Cassius E. Winfield, Alijah and Isaiah Machida; and five great-great-grandchildren: Alani Palmer, Za’Vion, Sincere and Samir Jones, and S’Kayda Henderson. She is also fondly remembered by her three remaining siblings: Mary Garcia (Martin), Amelia Mena Perea, Gene Mena (Velia), and several other beloved family members.

A visitation for Rafaela will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903, with 7:00 PM Rosary. Funeral Mass will be 9:30 AM Wednesday, March 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 602 S Oregon St. Committal service will follow at 11:00 AM at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John M. Sandoval, Steve J. Sandoval, Michael Madrid, Manny Flores III, Angel Torres, David M. Flores, Matthew E. Cardona, and Martin Garcia Jr.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Flores family.