Ilaria Flores

With profound sadness, the Flores and Cortez families announce the passing of Ilaria "Lollie" Flores on September 11, 2024, at age 82, a world that will forever feel her absence. Lollie was born in 1941 in the vibrant town of Uvalde, Texas, at Turkey Creek Ranch, to the loving family of the late Cruz and Juanita Cortez. She was the 9th born of 11 siblings: Gonzalo, Encarnacion, Pablo, Flora, Juan, Anacleto, Cruz, Pelo, Yolanda "Yoli," and Enemy "Annie." As a guiding light and a loving caretaker, Lollie nurtured her family with wisdom and values that continue to resonate profoundly.

Lollie's journey led her to meet her future husband, Rosendo Flores, in San Angelo, Texas, at the Texas Theater. They were soon married on July 26, 1959, and built a loving family together, welcoming their four children-Roy, Rosendo Jr. (Bebee), Debbie, and Eric. As a mother, Lollie's love and guidance were unwavering, and the values she imparted, including a love for softball, will continue to inspire and shape her children's lives.

Lollie was the heart of both the Cortez and the Flores families. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and kindness, where her embrace offered comfort, forgiveness, and unconditional love. This nurturing environment extended to her over eight nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, who all thrived under her care. Her presence was a beacon of strength and compassion (and humor), making her an irreplaceable cornerstone in the lives of her family, extended family, countless nieces and nephews, family friends, and her "commadres."

In her professional life, Lollie worked with dedication at Shannon Medical Center from 1968 to 2002, earning employee of the year as a surgery aid in 1995. Beyond her remarkable career, she was known for her spirited love of fast cars, especially her cherished Trans-Am and Z-28. Her enthusiasm for these sleek machines mirrored her approach to life-full of excitement and zest.

Lollie is now reunited with her cherished husband, Rosendo, and her son, Bebee. She is survived by her children Roy (married to Blanca), Debbie Gomez (married to Xavier), and Eric, as well as her beloved grandchildren Roy Lee, Nicholas, Estephani Ledesma (married to Rico), Cameron Melendez (married to Crystal), Tristyn, Caleb Melendez, Eric Jr., and nine great-grandchildren (plus baby Manolo).

Viewing will be on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 12:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Robert Massie Funeral Home, 402 Rio Concho Dr, San Angelo, TX 76903 with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. A Catholic Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 20 E Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TX 76903, followed by a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery, 1501 W. Avenue N, San Angelo, TX 76901. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Pall bears are Eric Flores Jr., Rico Ledesma, Joe Martinez Jr., Cameron Melendez, Caleb Melendez, and Bill Torres.

Lollie will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved, and her family will remember Lollie's legacy of love and the lasting impact of these words from "A Letter from Heaven:"

When tomorrow starts without me

And I'm not there to see;

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today;

While thinking of the many things

We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me

As much as I love you;

And each time that you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart

For every time you think of me,

I'm right here in your heart.

-by Alena Hakala Meadows-