Matilde Corona Florez

Matilde Corona Florez, 82, of Casa Grande died Nov. 14, 2007 at RTA Hospice House.


Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited at 10, and funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

Mr. Florez was born March 14, 1925 in Martinez, Texas, and was a son of Pedro and Eulogia Florez. He served in the Navy during World War II, in the Pacific aboard the USS Indiana. He moved to Arizona from Texas more than 60 years ago as a migrant worker.

He was a loving and giving man. He was devoted to his family and raised some of his grandchildren. He opened his home to several foster children and people who needed a little help. He worked as a crossing guard at several Casa Grande schools.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Amelia; two daughters, Nellie Perez of Peoria and Elda Reyes of Casa Grande; a son, Pete Florez of Casa Grande; four sisters, Lorenza Garcia and Jesusita Gonzalez of California, Magdalena De Hoyas and Barbara Cruz of Texas; four brothers, Frank Florez of Ohio, Bill Florez of California, Daniel and Reyes Florez of Texas; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Josefa Hernandez and two infants, and two brothers, Pete and Adan Florez.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.