Marcelina Zavala Flores

Marcelina Zavala Flores left this life for her eternal life on December 26, 2023, at 84 years old, after a long cancer journey that began in 2015. As the strong matriarch of the Flores household, she expressed a lifelong devotion to her family even throughout her final moments. She will continue to be cherished by her loved ones and community.

Marcelina was born to Antonio and Josephine Zavala on April 26, 1939, in Fulshear, Texas. She grew up as a member of a large family, carrying on their traditions and values into the next chapter of her life with Leandro Cantu Flores, her husband of 63 years. Together, they raised four children with tight-knit bonds in Houston, Texas.

"Chela," as she was sometimes affectionately called, was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend. Family always came first, and no one ever left her home hungry. She was amazing at cooking and preparing her specialties, Menudo and Caldo de Res soup. She treasured a house full of people with any reason to gather and celebrate.

She retired from The University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences, after 20 years of service. During her retirement, she had more time to enjoy needlepoint embroidery. Caring for and loving her grandbabies, being in their lives brought her so much joy. she lived beyond her cancer prognosis and kept her faith in God's plan.

Marcelina is survived by her husband, Leandro Cantu Flores; children, Leandro Flores, Jr., Anna Maria (Pedro) Perales, Frank Tony (Eva Garcia) Flores, and Roman Zavala (Myrna Saavedra) Flores; grandchildren, Jonathon Blake Aguirre, Alyssa Perales (William) Venable, Aaron Michael Perales, Leandro Antonio Flores, Christian Anthony Flores, Gabriel Alexander Flores, Jayden Alexandra Flores, and Jillian Rose Flores; great-grandchild, Olivia Lee Venable; and siblings, Tony V. Zavala, Dora Ramos, John V. Zavala, Marcus V. Zavala, Frank V. Zavala, Joann Vasquez, Martha Garcia, and Guadalupe Ybarra. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Josephine Zavala; sisters, Camila Ramirez and Pauline Armenta; and aunt, Amila Zavala.

A visitation for Marcelina will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 2516 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003. A rosary service will occur Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm, 2516 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003. A funeral mass will occur Friday, January 5, 2024 at 10:30 am at Holy Name Catholic Church, 1920 Marion St, Houston, TX 77009. A committal service will occur Friday, January 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Dr., Houston, TX 77055.