Gail Flores Quintero

Gail Flores Quintero, our beloved mother, grand-mother, aunt, cousin and sister-in-law passed away on Monday, January 04, 2021 in Houston, TX at the age of 76. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Clemencia Flores, by her brother, Adolph and by her infant son, John Mario.

Gail was beautiful inside and out. She was our princess, smart, talented and gracious. Gail was a Catholic, a woman of strong faith who prayed as easily for her own needs as she did for the needs of others. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Gail was a teacher. She earned her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Development from St. Thomas University and developed one of the finest private pre-schools in Houston. She loved her students and they were enthralled by her imagination and joy that she brought to her teaching.

Gail was a true artist. She was one of the outstanding calligraphers in the Houston area. Her work was exquisite and was in demand for the weddings and parties of Houston’s most elite patrons.

Most importantly, Gail was a wife and mother. She was married to Mario Quintero, the love of her life for 55yrs. They were always the best dancing couple on the floor. She adored her children, Chris, Jon, and Abbey. They were her life. Gail loved her family.

We wish to acknowledge the loving and compassionate care given to Gail by her daughter Abigail Mc Donald, her husband Michael and grand-daughter, Amanda.

Eulogy

Gail F. Quintero passed away peacefully after a long bout with Alzheimer’s on January 4, 2021, at the age of 76.

Gail was born Sylvia Gail Flores on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1944, in the West Texas town of San Angelo. Her parents, Adolph Flores and Clemencia Cardona Flores, and her brother Adolph Flores, Jr. all suffered with Alzheimer’s and preceded her in death.

Gail graduated from Lamar High School in Houston. Following her graduation, she followed her Religious Vocation and entered the Villa de Matel convent with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. She shared their religious life and left after two years.

She attended Dominican College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Then attended St. Thomas University where she received a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Development.

On August 1, 1965, she married her life partner, Mario Quintero. During their 55 years of marriage, they shared the joys and heartaches of raising three children, Christopher Quintero, Jonathan Quintero, and Abigail Q. McDonald. They suffered the loss of their first child, John Mario, at birth.

She is survived by her husband, her children, her son-in-law, Michael McDonald, three sisters-in-law, Penny Q. Summers, Matilda Q. Strum, and Sally Q. Price, seven grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces, and many cousins.

Gail was a wife, mother, and educator. She loved children. Even in her last days, when she could no longer speak, she would lighted up and smile, when she saw babes and children on the television. She taught at several elementary schools, and finally opened her own child care center in the scenic location on Mockingbird Circle in SW Houston. It was on a park setting and you could see her and her staff sitting on the grass under the shady trees teaching the children about nature and the ABC’s.

Her other love was calligraphy. She studied it while in the convent and was very active in the Houston Calligraphy Guild, and was known as one of the best calligraphers in the Houston area. She prepared many wedding invitations, announcements, certificates, and even the football used by Houston Baptist College on their first game. Her work was pure art.

Gail loved to laugh, travel, and teach. To her, “family came first, “she loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, but when needed she would correct them with her teacher’s stare, and there was never any question as to who was in charge… She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.