Obituary: Maria Eden Flores  August 25, 1935 – November 1, 2025

Maria Eden Flores, age 90 of Boise Idaho passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025 at CornerStone Assisted Living surrounded by her remaining children, Toy (Susan), Lyn, Nellie and June. 

Born on August 25, 1935 in the Visayan Island of Panay Philippines, Maria lived a life defined by strength, faith, and perseverance.  As a child growing up during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, she carried with her the lessons of resilience and discipline that shaped the woman she became.  As a young child she helped her father run a restaurant and prepared uniforms for her father’s big band in Nabas, Aklan.  She was also a talented track athlete, known for her determination and competitive spirit.

As a young woman, she completed fashion school, where she mastered dressmaking, perfecting her ability to create beauty with her hands.  To help support her education, she also worked as a hand model, a role that highlighted her poise and grace.

Maria was a devoted mother whose faith was central to her life.  Though she expressed love through quiet strength rather than words, her dedication to her family and her unwavering spirit spoke volumes.  She was also a gifted cook, known across her community for her famous lumpia, the Filipino version of spring rolls, a recipe she passed down through generations.  Her love of gardening and ability to make anything grow reflected her nurturing nature and steady patience.

In 1989, Maria decided to accept her first formal job, which included bartending at a club at the Naval Station, Guam.  At the age of 63, she attended bartending school and excelled in that position.  Soon after, she accepted a promotion as a Federal Civil Servant with the Naval Hospital Guam Food Service Department, where she served proudly for ten years before retiring.  Her employment was one of pride and accomplishment, as she found great joy and praise in serving others and contributing to the military community. 

She is survived by her loving children:  Lyn Becker and her husband Richard; Nellie Loyola and her husband Tom; June Flores; and Toy Flores and his wife Susan.  Maria also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, as well as two younger sisters, Sol and Luna, and one younger brother, Vaflor. Though distance separated them, Maria always felt their love deeply and continued to express her love for them in return. 

A memorial mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 6300 N Meridian, Meridian ID 83646, on 21 November at 11 am.   A rosary will precede the mass at 10 AM.  Dress: Business Casual. 

This mass will be live-streamed via facebook at https://www.facebook.com/holyapostles.church/live_videos/ and you tube at https://www.holyapostlesmeridian.net/Mass. 

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/