Flora R. Care

Flora was born in Manila, Philippines, to Eugenio Roman and Fabiana Rueda, who both preceded her in death. As the eldest daughter of seven children, she naturally took on the role of "Ate" — caring, responsible, and devoted to her family from a young age. She was preceded in passing by her siblings Juanito, Joe, Sagrada, and Salvador, and is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Asuncion and Victoria, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Flora shared over 30 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Benny, until his passing in 1996. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, sacrifice, and love. She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Josephine (Darryl), who was her greatest joy, constant companion, and proudest accomplishment.

A gifted seamstress, Flora expressed her love through her hands. She worked at Dominican Hospital, sewing surgical gowns for premature babies while also helping in the laundry department — quiet work that reflected her humble nature and caring heart. Sewing was more than a job to her; it was a gift she shared with family and community, including sewing for two weddings, creating pieces filled with love and meaning that will always be remembered.

After living for several years in San Francisco, Flora eventually made Santa Cruz her home. She embraced the life she built there, welcoming visiting family with open arms. Many happy memories were made at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, filled with laughter, food, and togetherness. She especially enjoyed visiting local farmers markets a couple times each month, carefully choosing the freshest vegetables to cook meals that brought everyone to the table — because for Flora, feeding others was one of the purest ways to show love.

She found happiness in life's simple joys: traveling when she could, playing bingo, and enjoying trips to the casino, where playing the slot machines brought her excitement and fun. These moments reflected her playful spirit and her ability to find joy even in ordinary days.

Above all, Flora will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt and friend — hardworking, resilient, and deeply devoted to family. Her life was one of quiet strength, generosity, and sacrifice, values she carried with her from the Philippines and passed on to those she loved.

Though she is gone from our sight, her love, lessons, and memories will forever remain in our hearts.