Helen Flores

Celebrating the life of Helen Flores feels like painting a vibrant picture of joy, love, and faith. Born on May 1, 1936, in the warm embrace of Santa Rosa, NM, Helen graced this world with 88 beautiful years before peacefully departing on March 4, 2025. Hers was a life lived fully, with a whimsical mix of grace, dedication, and a sprinkle of competitiveness kept alive through decades-long Scrabble tournaments.

Helen was not only a devoted Christian but also a pillar at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Altar Rosary, where she served as Treasurer for many years. Her faith was her compass, guiding her through life's many chapters. In high school, Helen was known as much for her joyful spirit as for being a cheerleader and Carnival Queen. After graduating from Santa Rosa High School in 1954, she attended business school in Albuquerque before briefly working for the State of New Mexico. She later married her high school sweetheart, Leos Flores, and they embarked on a beautiful journey of 59 years of marriage, filled with laughter, adventures, and unwavering partnership. Her husband’s daily gesture of presenting her with a rose in a small vase was a testament to their enduring love — a constant reminder that life's most profound beauties often come in the simplest forms.

One of Helen's delights was visiting the vibrant lights and sounds of the casino, where she relished the spinning of the slot machines and the thrill of playing her favorite games. Helen’s competitive spirit was evident in her avid love for bowling and her pioneering moment coaching the Bullets, Mile High Little League's first female softball team.

But her nurturing spirit shone brightest as a newborn photographer at Lovelace Hospital, capturing the vast potential in tiny, wrinkled faces. For many years, she opened her home and heart to care for children of friends and neighbors, creating an environment filled with love and warmth.

Helen's home was often filled with the sprightly chatter of her family. Known for her homemade birthday cakes, she created celebrations as sweet and delightful as her treats. Her tender, unconditional love was a constant source of warmth for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In the Flores household, no Scrabble game was ever just a game. She relished the tradition of family Scrabble Tournaments, bringing joy and handing out championship trophies that became cherished family heirlooms. Helen was particularly proud of her vast plate collection with plates from across the United States and the world.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Leos. She is survived by her daughters, Juanita Flores-Hull and husband, Rick, Debbie Sarinana, and Frances Flores; sons, Leos Flores, Jr. and wife, Carol, and Leon Flores and wife, Judy. Helen adored her eight grandchildren, Samantha Byrd-Fulbright and husband, Brent, Marcus Flores and wife, Gaby, Dominic Sarinana and wife, Ella, Laura Flores and husband, Jeremy, Sarah Gilman and husband, William, Montana Hagler and husband, Paden, Cecilia Flores, and Jakob Flores; and her five great grandchildren, Riley Byrd-Fulbright, Miles Byrd-Fulbright, Mateo Sarinana, Audrey Gilman, and Rafael Flores, all of whom brought her great pride.

A celebration of Helen's remarkable life will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, beginning with a visitation at 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. and a reception at 7:00 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

As we bid farewell to Helen, we remember that to her, life was as much about moments of love shared as the trophies won along the way. She now rests in the comforting embrace of the angels she held so dear.