Hortencia "Tencha" Flores

Weslaco- With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Hortencia “Tencha” Flores, the beloved matriarch of the Hernandez-Flores family, who left us peacefully on October 15, 2024. Born in Weslaco, TX, on February 24, 1931, to Octavio and Angelita Islas Hernandez, she was a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and friend to many.

As the eldest of eleven siblings, Hortencia embraced her role with grace and resilience, offering wisdom and support to her brothers and sisters throughout their lives. Throughout Hortencia’s life, the Hernandez family journeyed to Washington and the Pacific Northwest, following the harvest season for at least six months a year as farm laborers. Despite this challenging childhood, Hortencia grew up with a strong sense of purpose and resilience that shaped her journey.

Hortencia attended school and Mass at St. Joan Catholic Church as a child. As a result, she became a profoundly faithful Catholic; Hortencia Flores instilled the virtues of faith, love, and compassion in all her siblings, children, and grandchildren. Her unwavering devotion illuminated her path and was a guiding foundation for the strong family ties she nurtured. 

Hortencia’s spirit was full of love and zest for life. She cherished playing Bingo every Sunday, often at St. Joan of Arc and the “CWV” Catholic War Veterans and enjoyed card games with her compadres during the week. As time passed, she shared this love for cards with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them the games and creating cherished memories around the card table. An avid traveler, she found joy in exploring new places and connecting with loved ones through the heartfelt letters and notes she regularly sent to family and friends. Tenchita embraced life with enthusiasm and passion, nurturing her garden, sharing laughter on the dance floor, and savoring each moment of joy. Her vibrant spirit and love for life were expressed in every hobby and interest she pursued. 

All who knew her felt Tencha’s warmth and kindness, and her home was always open, filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of her cooking. She was always giving or receiving flowers, a beautiful gesture of her generous heart. With her book of stamps close by, she filled the lives of loved ones with handwritten cards, each note a token of her thoughtfulness. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and nourishment, where she cooked as if for the whole world, finding joy in exploring new recipes from her beloved cookbooks.

Tenchita’s faith, instilled as a child, was a lifelong priority, evident in her character. Her life’s work was marked by compassion and dedication. She devoted many years to John Knox Village, caring for retired individuals with unwavering kindness and respect. Her role there was more than a job; it was a calling, allowing her to touch countless lives through her gentle care and commitment to others. She remained a faithful parishioner at St. Joan of Arc and St. Pius X Catholic Church. Tencha formed and led groups of young girls called the Santos Angeles and Hijas de Maria. Every Sunday, she brought them to church, and during May, they would deliver flowers to honor the Virgin Mary. Hortencia carried a rosary wherever she went, always ready to pray, whether at work, home or in a public setting. Before anyone left her home, she always offered them a blessing—a tender sign of the cross and a prayer for their well-being.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Octavio and Angelita Hernandez; her beloved husband Abel O. Flores; her daughter, Ruby Ann Gonzalez; great-granddaughter, Emma Marie Garza; brothers, Hortemio Hernandez (Oralia) and Onesimo Hernandez; sisters Angelita Gonzales (Pablo), Olga Munoz (Miguel), Lydia Valdez (Francisco), and Anita Cardenas (Gilbert). 

Hortencia Flores is survived by her loving daughters, Sonya Lopez (Benito) and Gloria Garza (Gerardo “Jerry”); son-in-law, Fernando Gonzalez (Ruby Ann+); siblings Oscar Hernandez (Yoli), Alice Flores, Octavio Hernandez Jr.(Martha+) and Odelia Salazar (Rogelio), sister-in-law, Raquel Hernandez (Onesimo+); grandchildren, Glendora Lemke (August), Mauro Lopez (Nicole), Randy Baldazo, Gerardo Garza Jr. (Marlena), Vanessa Ramirez (Raul III), Heather Garza (Mario), Bianca Warden (Matthew), great-grandchildren, Raul, Daniel, and Briana Ramirez, Mario, Zeke, Ever, Mila, and Yael Garza, Ruby Ann Baldazo, and Greyson Warden, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love and faith. 

She will be remembered for her generous spirit, steadfast devotion, and the countless ways she touched all our lives.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Martha Doria for the exceptional care she provided to our mother over the past several years. We would also like to sincerely thank El Rey Primary Health Care, LLC, Cuidando Vidas Home Health, Dr. Pamela Stroman and her staff, and Dr. Eduardo Flores, cardiologist, for their compassionate support and dedicated care.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 9:00, with a Holy Rosary from 7:00 to 8:00, at McCaleb Funeral Home. Father Francisco Solis will celebrate a Funeral Mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Saturday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of her remarkable life at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco at 11:00 a.m. We will forever hold dear the memories of Hortencia "Tenchita" Flores, a true beacon of light and love in our lives. May she rest in eternal peace.