"CUCA" GALLEGOS- FLORES

Refugia “Cuca” Gallegos Flores, passed away peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born on January 05, 1936, to Pedro "Pete" Gonzales Flores and Francisca "Panchita" Melendez Gallegos. Cuca was born and raised in Globe, Arizona and graduated in 1954 from Globe High School. Cuca remained living in Globe with her children and parents up until 1973 when she went to reside in Miami, Arizona. Later in the years Cuca returned to Globe to be closer to her sister Sally. Cuca is survived by her son Peter Cruz Chavez, Sr and daughter Crystal Ann Chavez including 11 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great- great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Cuca is preceded in death by her parents Pete and Francis Flores, sisters Rosie Flores, Trinidad Munoz and Sally Sandoval and a brother Pedro Jr. Flores.

Cuca had numerous jobs throughout her life in the Globe/Miami area. While her parents raised her three children, Cuca worked at Frank’s Jewely Store, the Circle K in Miami and was a waitress at La Casita. She also attended the Rose-Mar College of Beauty in Mesa, Arizona in 1964-1965 and became a licensed beautician. Cuca did not stop there though; she also attended Saint Joseph’s Nursing school in Phoenix, Arizona.

While attending nursing school, Cuca found a position as a nurse’s aide at the Miami hospital, it was here at the hospital, where her nursing career began. Upon graduation from nursing school, she promoted from a nurse’s aide to a registered nurse in the Miami Inspiration Hospital she had to take a medical retirement in the 1980s. It was during her time in the hospital where she made her lifelong friendships, and many recognized her with her red bouffant-style hairdo.

Cuca enjoyed her hobbies; crocheting, reading, watching her English and Spanish soap operas and movies. She collected many books and would swap different books and magazines with her sisters throughout the years. For a period, she moved to Phoenix and resided with her daughter Crystal and her family but returned home to Globe to be closer to her sister Sally. The last 10 years of her life Cuca relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where she lived closer to her granddaughter Yolanda and her family. The time she spent in Phoenix was full excitement for Cuca as there she got to experience many things that she hadn’t experienced before. Yolanda cared for Cuca until she passed away.

Cuca lived with Dementia and other ailments for a very long time. She resided in the Sunshine Village Memory Care facility since 2021 where her nephew Mark Sandoval worked. Cuca was Queen of Sheba as Yolanda spoiled Cuca very much by weekly visits and trips back and forth to Globe to see friends and family. She enjoyed going to the movies, shopping, restaurants, including spending time with family during birthdays and holidays.

Cuca is deeply loved by her family and will be missed very much.

Cuca’s services will be on Saturday, May 3 at the Our Lady Blessed Sacrament Church located at 844 Sullivan St, Miami, AZ 85539. The viewing begins at 8:30AM, Rosary at 9:30AM and Mass at 10AM. Lunch will be provided after mass.

Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.