Refugia “Cuca” Gallegos Flores, passed away peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age 89. Born January 05, 1936, to Pedro "Pete" Gonzales Flores and Francisca "Panchita" Melendez Gallegos. Cuca graduated from Globe High School.
Cuca remained in Globe with her children and parents up until 1973 when she moved to Miami. 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 worked at Frank’s Jewely Store, Miami Circle K and waitressed at La Casita. She attended Rose-Mar College of Beauty in Mesa and became a licensed beautician. Cuca also attended Saint Joseph’s Nursing School in Phoenix. While attending school, Cuca became a nurse’s aide at the Miami hospital, it was 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 Miami Inspiration Hospital where she retired.
Cuca enjoyed movies and collecting books and would swap books with her sisters throughout the years. Later, she moved to Phoenix and resided with her daughter Crystal but returned to Globe to be closer to her sisters. The last 10 years of her life Cuca relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where she was closer to her granddaughter Yolanda. Cuca got to experience many things that she hadn’t experienced before. Yolanda cared for Cuca until she passed away.
Cuca’s services will be Saturday, May 3 at Our Lady Blessed Sacrament Church located at 844 Sullivan St, Miami, AZ 85539. Services begin at 8:30AM.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
