Maria Magdalena Baldeon

Our beautiful mother, Magdalena Flores de Baldeon passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 5, 2022 surrounded by the love and prayeof her three children and eldest granddaughter. She was born on September 10, 1947 in Milagro, Ecuador to Amado Flores and Teresa Cisneros. She married Carlos Baldeon in May of 1966 who preceded her in death in March 1991.

 

Magdalena was a loving and dedicated mother to Betsy, Brenda, and Carlos. She treasured her children and was affectionately loved as “Abu" or "Abuelita" by her three grandchildren Izabella Baldeon-Volkov, Elena Baldeon, and Connor Baldeon.

 

Growing up in Ecuador, Magdalena loved riding bicycles and horseback riding too. As a child, she always liked to look her best and wore ribbons in her hair. Magdalena enjoyed dancing and was enrolled in Flamenco classes. She was organized, enjoyed school, and understood the importance of education. Magdalena was a dignified and insightful young woman when she met her future husband Carlos in 1965. She left her family home when they married the following year.

 

In January 1971, she joined her husband in the United States, with their two daughters. They resided in Los Angeles, where their son, Carlos, was born. In 1979, they would buy a house, and made it a home. Magdalena taught herself to drive, learn English, and worked in the retail and insurance industries. She was independent and liked to do things her way or as she would say "hago lo que quiero, como yo lo quiero, para bien o para mal.” One of her life achievements was becoming a United States citizen in 1982.

 

She lived a happy life filled with family, friends, travel, and laughter. Over the years, Magdalena travelled with each of her children across the United States. She maintained an impeccable sense of style and was always given compliments on her fashion. Magdalena knew quality jewelry when she saw it and, more importantly, how to negotiate to get the best deals. She was blessed to travel, first with her family, and later in life, solo to the East Coast to visit with relatives. Magdalena also travelled to Ecuador on several occasions to reconnect with her family, particularly her Tia Pilar.

 

Magdalena lovingly cared for her granddaughter Izabella and was a very active volunteer at her elementary school. She taught Izabella the art of great cooking as well as music, dancing, and futbol soccer. They watched many “Mundiales” (World Cups) together over the years. If they were not watching together, they would call each other to talk about “partidos” (games) and their favorite players. Magdalena had a green thumb. She meticulously grew plants including her beloved lemon tree that her husband planted for her in their home. Magdalena showed her love through great cooking. She would prepare many delicious dishes for family gatherings, but everyone’s go to favorites were “aji” (chile), flan, hornado, ayacas, lentejas, wontons, ensalada de papa o fideos (potato and macaroni salad), and carne asada.

 

Magdalena was a faithful Roman Catholic, who along with her husband, were lectors during Spanish mass at St. Joseph’s Church in La Puente, CA. She was a devotee of St. Jude and was

 

passionate about helping children, especially those battling cancer. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital be made in her memory.

Magdalena’s greatest life achievements are her children and grandchildren. She set the example of love, discipline, hard work, and higher education. Rest in Peace Querida Mami, Abu, Abuelita. Your love and memory will ALWAYS remain a part of your family and friends!