FREDONIA — Pauline Florez, 92, of Fredonia passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at her home.
Pauline was born on April 18, 1932, in Chanute to John Lopez and Ruby Moody. At an early age, Pauline was adopted and raised by the loving family of Refugio and Crescencia De La Torre.
Pauline was a beloved matriarch to her family, a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma and great-grandmother. Pauline cherished her family. Her home was a sanctuary filled with warmth, laughter and the irresistible aroma of her legendary Mexican dishes. You could usually find her rolling tortillas or perfecting her enchiladas. Her food symbolized her devotion and enduring tradition to pass down through generations to come.
Pauline operated an in-home day care for more than 35 years, taking care of numerous children and providing a second home to many who needed her love, guidance and a sense of belonging. She had a gift of giving advice, wisdom and humor for all of life’s lessons.
Pauline was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia, its Altar Society and the Fredonia Senior Center. She loved spending time with her family and friends, going out to eat, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, visiting casinos and playing games at the senior center. Most importantly, she loved teaching her children and grandchildren the traditional way of cooking.
On Dec. 13, 1952, she married Thomas Florez in Kansas City, Missouri. Pauline and Tom were married for almost 69 years until his death on June 30, 2021. Her legacy lives on from her gentle spirit and the love she instilled into her family.
Survivors include five children, Teresa Apollo and her husband, Logan, of Fredonia, Elizabeth Cox and her husband, Tim, of Iola, Thomas Florez Jr. and his wife, Melissa, of Fredonia, John Florez of Fredonia, Ann Huser and her husband, Roger, of Fredonia; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildand; four siblings, Crispin De La Torre of Chanute, Richard De La Torre of Ottawa, Robert De La Torre of Chanute and Juanita Lopez of Kansas City, Kansas.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; husband Tom; grandson Camron Huser; brothers, Richard Lopez, Paul Lopez and Paul Saragosa; and sisters, Margaret Villagomez and Mary Reyes.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia, with burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fredonia. The rosary will be recited at 10 at the church the day of the service. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia. The family suggests memorials to either the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Diaper Heaven of Fredonia and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Leave online condolences at www.countrysidefh.com.
Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS, 66736.
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