Margaret Faye Flores

Margaret (“Margi”) passed away at her home in Long Beach, California on February 3, 2018, after a heroic six-month battle with cancer.

Margi was born Margaret Faye Bufford, in Bakersfield, California in 1947 and moved to Southern California with her family in 1957. She graduated from Paramount High School, Class of 1965.

In 1986, Margaret married Ruben Flores in Lakewood, California. At the time of her passing, Margaret and Ruben had been married for a wonderful 31 years. Their blended family included Margi’s daughter, Kimberly, her son, Michael, and Ruben’s son Isaac. Margi chose to be a homemaker for almost all 31 years of marriage. Over the years she kept very busy being a loving wife, mother, grandmother (Nana), daughter, and sister. She also enjoyed photography, sports (a loyal Lakers fan since 1966) and was an avid, and accomplished, tole painter. Another source of enjoyment, love, and pride for Margi was being a volunteer for many years in Kimberly’s second grade and kindergarten classrooms. Kimberly is a longtime school teacher.

Margi is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Ruben Flores, daughter Kimberly Colangelo, son, Michael Tatum, stepson Isaac Flores, son-in-law Paul Colangelo, daughters-in-law, Michelle Tatum and Yesenia Flores, sister Kelly Suzuki, grandsons Addison Colangelo (and Addison’s wife Dulce), Austin Colangelo, Dominic Colangelo, granddaughters Courtney Mannon (Tatum), Chloe Flores, and Zoey Flores, brother-in-law, Leroy Kelly, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to list.

Margaret was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was blessed with a youthful appearance and spirit and was capable of selfless love. Her source of greatest joy was her family. Love, Faith, and Family were words she lived by. She will be missed dearly, but never forgotten.

Funeral service will be private. A Celebration of Life and Open House will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Margaret’s home starting at 1:00 PM.

The family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation to the charity of your choice be made in the name of Margaret Faye Flores.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401