Marina Flores Gonzalez “Tia Marina” was born February 22, 1926 in Mackay, Texas, to Antonia and Vicente Flores. The second of six siblings, she lived a long and beautiful life grounded in faith, family, hard work, music, and love.
Tia Marina was preceded in death by her parents, husband Enrique, loving siblings, brothers Ruben and Vincent Flores, Eduardo Cavazos and older sister, Adelfa Flores Parrish. She is survived by her beloved sister, Dalia Rosales, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
She shared 32 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Enrique Gonzalez, who passed in 1975. Marina worked for many years at Birt Bag Company, but more importantly, she was a devoted member of Resurrection Catholic Church over 72 years.
Family remained at the center of her life. Marina and Enrique had no children of their own. She lived two blocks from her beloved older sister, Adelfa, and they became the best aunt and uncle with a steady, loving presence for the nieces and nephews of her sisters and brothers. Throughout their childhood, she helped care for them, nurturing the close bonds and creating the cherished memories they would carry throughout their lives.
Her faith shaped much of her life. Marina loved to sing and was a longtime member of the Sunday morning 9:00 a.m. church choir. She also volunteered at the church’s bi-annual bazaar, made tamales for the church, worked in the ticket booth, cleaned the church every Friday and gave generously of her time to her church community.
Beyond the church, she stayed active and connected as a member of the Denver Harbor Senior Citizen Center. There, she enjoyed crafts, tai-do exercise, dancing, and, naturally, singing. Her enthusiasm for life kept her engaged with the people and activities she loved.
Marina took great pride in her home, especially her yard and flowers. Even at the remarkable age of 95, she was still cutting her own grass—a reflection of her independence, strength, and determination.
She often expressed her love through cooking. Her nieces and nephews will always remember her perfect, delicious Mexican rice. Each Christmas she prepared special jars of homemade hot sauce for them, and the holiday season would not have been complete without her teaching the family how to make tamales and passing along those treasured traditions.
Above all, Marina cherished her family. Through food, music, faith, laughter, traditions, and her many travels with her sisters across the US, Canada and Europe, she created memories that will continue to live on in everyone who knew and loved her.
The entire family extends its deepest gratitude to the care givers of their Tia Marina; Gloria Ayala as her long-time primary care giver, Irma Brandt and Frank and Richard Parrish. In addition, the family is thankful to Consuelo “Conchita” Maria Chavez for the dedication, compassion, and care she gave Tia Marina during the last year of her life.
After her 100 years of life, Tia Marina leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, independence, and family traditions that will continue for generations. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
