Obituary of Raquel Flores

Raquel Leon Flores, of Brooklyn, Sunnyside NY and Malaga, Spain, went home to our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the age of 93. Raquel was the Loving mother of Priscilla Vazquez, Diane A Dunne, Samuel Vazquez, Michelle Cañete as well as a loving mother to her sister Bernarda (Nandy) Kowalski. She was the cherished grandmother of Christopher, Nancy, Stephen, Glen, Alani, Christian, Arian, Aviana, Solana and to her five great grandchildren, Daniel, Kayan, Sabrina, Mekai, and Hunter. Loving Aunt to Rafaela (Fally), Ada, Ricardo and Walter, as well as all of her great grand- nephews and grand-nieces. She surprised everyone after raising all her children when she returned to college to get an undergraduate degree. She and her youngest child celebrated their graduation from college at the same time. Her accomplished career included: Director of The Federation of Puerto Rican Volunteers where she worked on programs to secure jobs for recovering drug addicts and helping needy families get back on their feet; Director of Community Relations at Fordham Hospital; and was on the Board of Directors to The Bronx Zoo. She ultimately retired from Phipps Houses as Vice President, Community Relations where she implemented educational programs for the youth in developments of the housing corporation. She was an excellent conflict manager and was instrumental in resolving issues between management and tenants. She was known to all as "someone who could get things done." As far as Raquel was concerned there were no problems...only solutions. She helped many and treated each and every person like family. Many reported that she changed their lives. As a member of the Union St Betterment Assn., Raquel helped secure trees for the block. As a result, Union Street in Brooklyn's much desired Carroll Gardens neighborhood is a beautifully tree lined street. Her bright spirit, youthful energy and fashion consciousness made her a great hit with her grandchildren and she was often plotting adventures with them. Everyone knows she insisted that you wear lipstick at all times. You always need to look your best! Visitation will be Sunday, June 16, 2019 and Monday June 17, 2019 from 4pm - 8pm. Final viewing on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at 10 AM followed by burial at Maple Grove Cemetery, 83-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens.