Maria Flory Meneses

Birth: August 7, 1938 | Died: May 3, 2024

In loving memory of Maria Flory Salguero Gonzalez, known affectionately as "Flor" and "Tita," whose life story is a tapestry of courage, love, and spirited independence. Born on August 7, 1938, in the verdant landscapes of Alajuela, Costa Rica, Tita was the cherished daughter of Jose Rodolfo Salguero Quiroz (Tata) and Maria Florinda Gonzalez Cordoba (Nana) and the sister to Guido Antonio Salguero Gonzalez.

Tita's early years were spent amidst the coffee bean farm managed by her father, a place where her compassion for animals flourished. She nurtured a blind cat and a dog wary of humans, her kindness touching even the most unlikely of friends. Her zest for life shone brightly as she danced on stage in theatrical productions, her passion for the arts evident to all who watched her perform.

A fervent believer in education, Tita earned her teaching credentials and dedicated herself to instructing grade school in San Isidro de Alajuela. A woman of strong principles, she valued her independence, working and owning a home for a year before her marriage to Rafael Angel Meneses Leandro, lovingly known as "Ñato." Their engagement, a testament to patience and commitment, spanned five years.

Tita's wedding day on December 21, 1961, revealed her bold spirit when she unveiled not only her face but also her newly shortened hair, a surprise to Ñato and a declaration of her autonomy. This moment encapsulated her essence—a woman unafraid to stand by her convictions.

The proud mother of two daughters, Yancy and Cynthia, Tita embarked on a journey to Anaheim, California in 1968, for the sake of her daughters’ health. The family welcomed her only son Johnny a few years later. While opportunities to teach beckoned, Tita chose a different path, one that aligned with her values, and became an electronics assembler.

Her pride in her heritage never wavered as she embraced her new role as a U.S. Citizen, holding dear her love for God, Costa Rica, and her adopted homeland. Tita's spirit of service continued as a lector at St. Boniface Catholic Church, where her kind and accepting nature touched the hearts of many.

Upon retiring from American Electronics Inc. in late 1999, Tita's legacy continued to grow through her five grandchildren—Steven, Tiffany, Zachary, Nicholas, and Katie—and her five great-grandchildren—Alina, Nevaeh, Blake, Nalani, and Cayden. Her life's journey, marked by resilience and grace, leaves an indelible imprint on the lives of those she loved and who loved her in return.

As we gather to honor and remember Tita, let us celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the enduring impact she has left on each of us. Her story, a blend of Costa Rican vibrancy and American dream, remains a beacon of inspiration, a reminder of the beauty of a life well-lived.