Mary Jane Flores

Mary Jane Flores, 97, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, peacefully left this world to spend eternity in heaven with her beloved husband, Richard W. Flores. Sr., on March 29, 2026. She was born on July 9, 1928, in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late David and Ida Mae Hudson Williams. A 1946 graduate of Upper Darby High School, Upper Darby, PA, she also graduated in 1949 from Bryn Mawr School of Nursing, Bryn Mawr, PA. It was there that she bonded with her lifelong nursing friends.

She and her husband first settled in Holland Township, New Jersey as newlyweds in February 1950. In 1951 they moved to Upper Black Eddy, PA until the Flood of 1955 where they lost everything. For a year they lived in Alexandria Township, NJ before moving to "THE RIDGE" in 1956. In 1977 they moved to Plainwell, Michigan.

Mary Jane was an artist extraordinaire, and a multi-talented crafts person. Her abilities were endless. Besides painting, she also loved to knit and sew. She was a Girl Scout Leader, active church member, and President of the Kalamazoo-Numazu Sister City Committee.

She was also an executive board member of the Kalamazoo Garden Council and Plainwell Arts Council. With her late husband, she helped found the Gull Lake Area Community Church, Richland, MI. She was a former member of Holland Presbyterian Church, Holland Township, NJ. In July 1987 she received Honorable Mention as one of Michigan's Outstanding Women Volunteers.

Mary Jane and Dick were extensive travelers, enjoying countless trips around the United States and to the British Isles, including trips to her Ancestral hometowns in Ireland. They also traveled to Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong, Fiji), and spent many weeks in their most favorite country, New Zealand.

She is survived by her loving family including her daughter, Joanne Iskra-King (Francis), Spring Hill, FL; her son, Richard Flores Jr. (Monica Marshall), Vero Beach, FL; five grandsons-Kurt, Douglas and Kevin Iskra and Travis and Trever Hill; eight great-grandchildren-Allison, Gavin, Madeline, Ryan, Emma, and Camden Iskra and Angelina and Vera Hill; cousins, nieces, nephews and her former son-in-law, Edward Chubb. Also, her bonus sons and devoted caregivers-Harry, Mary Kaye, Walter, and Sue Bird, and their families; and her bonus daughter, Karen Schweinzer and bonus granddaughter Gretchen Kershaw. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Nancy Hill-Moser, her brother, David; her sister-in-law, Joanne, and cousins Florence Greatrex and Rev. Clyde Mellinger, who were her 3 bonus siblings.

She was generous, kind, thoughtful, and devoted to all who knew her. She only ever saw the good in people. She truly was a woman for all seasons. She will be deeply missed beyond words by those who loved and adored her. While we will mourn her here on earth, we are blessed to have had her so long.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at 11 a.m. at the Living Hope Community Church, 9292 E CD Ave, Richland, MI 49083. Donations in her name to the church.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Mary Jane's guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family.

The Flores family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.