Leticia Osorio Flores entered into the loving arms of our Lord on May 22, 2024, after almost 90 years of a good life on this earth. Her journey began on October 30, 1935, in the Philippines to parents, Adelina Failep and Valeriano Osorio. She spent most of her childhood in Olongapo City growing up with 8 siblings; she was the 3rd child. “Lety”, as she was affectionately called, was a tomboy. She spent many days outdoors playing childhood games like hopscotch and “hit the can with a stone”, both favorites of children in the Philippines.
Leticia (Lety) met husband, Benjamin (Ben) Bancaco Flores Sr. as a teenager. If you asked her initially, she saw no future in a relationship with him. In fact, many thought Ben had eyes for her sister Mercedes and Lety was too busy loving life as a tomboy. Ben would come by the house often to see her, but she would be outside playing, not giving him the time of day. Ben's father had to assist him by letting Lety's father know that he was interested. This led to more intentional relationship building between the two. From there Ben took her to movies and other dates building on a friendship that eventually led to love and marriage on 23 December 1954. They were married for more than 53 years when Ben died on 12 Feb 2007.
Fifty-three years of matrimony by all accounts, especially by today’s standards, is a very long and successful marriage. They had 9 children and so many memories…we could not list them all here; but we will outline a few. Ben was in the Coast Guard and spent lots of time at sea; this forced Leticia to step up her game as she had the children to take care of along with all the business of running a household. The early years were challenging. She was a new wife, in a foreign country with no driver’s license, with young kids and a husband that was not available to help most of the time. She had to figure it out…and she did! If she needed to protect them, she would get the .22 caliber that kept the wild animals away. If she needed to feed her children, she would call her favorite supermarket. If they were sick, she would be their doctor while still ensuring the others were okay. The fact she kept all 9 kids safe and healthy was a testament to just the kind of mother she was…strong when she had to be and kind and gentle when it was necessary.
Ben died in Feb 2007. For Lety, that was a difficult time…she had lost the love of her life with whom she had spent 53 wonderful and memorable years. While she missed him dearly, she knew she had to move on, so the rest of her life was spent helping her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren live and grow. Afterall, she is the matriarch of a large, strong, and beautiful legacy…9 kids, 33 grandkids and over 25 great grandkids and 10 great-great grandkids. Her kids are tough, independent, and she would not have it any other way.
Over the years, Lety had many hobbies ranging from puzzles, bingo, watching movies (particularly Chinese Kung-fu), playing poker, and spending time with her large family. She is a legendary cook as you would expect making meals for so many kids and grandchildren. Her favorite dish was Adobo – over the years she perfected it! If you were ever fortunate to taste her version of the Filipino staple, you would understand why all her children adored her cooking. Additionally, what she was able to do with leftovers was magical – you would never be hungry at her house. Her love for family would come through in the simple yet wonderful meals she prepared.
After almost 90 years on this earth, there will be good days and bad ones – arguably Lety’s worst day was the death of her son Benjamin Bancaco Flores Jr. He died during the COVID Pandemic. His, along with her husband’s death, left a huge hole in Lety’s heart. She will now be reunited in heaven with her forever husband, Benjamin Bancaco Flores Sr.; and her eldest son, Benjamin Bancaco Flores Jr.
Lety’s memory and spirit will forever live in her remaining children, Losviminda Flores Dimayuga and Tony Rodriguez, Violeta Osorio Flores, Ahndee Flores, Simone Lynda Flores Koram and husband Randy, Laura Flores Love, Leonora Flores Baladad and husband Danilo Jr., Kamehameha F. Flores and wife Sara, and Mahalo-Akua Flores and wife, Fe. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and sisters, Eufemia Osorio and Dolores Osorio. Her incredible legacy is a definitive example of a classic wife and mother to all that she left behind. These are memories of love from her children…we love you mom!
