Maria Flora Lucero Emerson

Maria Flora Lucero Emerson entered into eternal life on June 26. She died peacefully at her home in Grants, surrounded by her family, after handling her Parkinson’s disease with grace for many years. Flora spent over 70 years in prayer and service at St. Teresa de Avila church in Grants, where her Memorial Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday July 1, 2021 beginning at 9:30 am, with Father John Paul Sauter officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will follow at Grants Memorial Park.

Born May 24, 1936 in Villanueva N.M., Flora was the second of eight children born to Demetrio and Dolores Lucero. She was the bossy child who took it upon herself to take care of everyone. She worked hard to make sure her siblings and her mother and father had what they needed. She did the same for many others during a life dedicated to serving the Lord.

Flora didn’t wait for others to get things done; she simply did them herself. Impatience was her only flaw. At age 21 she started her first business, Flora’s Beauty Shop, and she kept a full appointment book for 40 years. Flora loved her customers and longtime employees, and they felt the same of her. She later opened a bakery, Tres Marias, with her sisters in 1979 where she and her three sisters laughed and baked day and night. Most days you could find Flora at the St. Vincent de Paul food bank or shelter, packing food, changing beds and helping people. Her generosity and Christian nature were well-known in the county. People sought her out for help, and everyone in town knew she was the one to go to for advice on how to solve a problem for those in need. She always had a busy and full house.

Flora cared deeply for people who had nowhere to turn. She was a constant presence at Casa San Jose, a home for unwed mothers, where she spent her free time making sure soon-to-be mothers had what they needed to be good mothers to their children. She also took time to help them experience joy in this trying time in their lives, taking the mothers-to-be on mountain walks and picnics.

Many knew Flora as an artist, who gathered friends for painting events in her yard and patronized local artists trying to establish themselves. Even with all she did, she made sure to always take the time to express her love (and sometimes lecture) with her vast extended family in Grants. She cooked dinner on high heat, you had to run to keep up with her, and she was never too busy to help someone in need day or night. She only “rested her eyes” during her final days.

Flora leaves her husband Frank of 60 years, a Montana man who fell for Flora while working his way south and who admired her independence, her sense of humor and style, and her working spirit. She cared for and guided him in many ways, and he was there to give her gentle and loving care when she needed it most.

Flora is survived by her son: Dempsey Emerson and wife Janice, Steven Emerson and wife Amy; daughter: Jennifer Ko and husband Gilyoung, Denise Dermody and husband William; and daughter-in-law: Leann Emerson. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Michelle, Haili, Sydney, Deana, Dylan, Jumong, Juwolli, Dori, Finbar, Estella, Liam, Beatrix, Harley, Kendy, Kavan; and great-grandchildren: Hayes and Crosby; as well as her sisters: Cecilia Price, Lucy Marez and husband Boney, Lupe Garcia, and brother Toby Lucero of Albuquerque.

Flora was preceded in death by her beloved parents: Demetrio and Dolores Lucero; and three brothers: Jimmy, Lawrence and Alfonsito.

The Emersons thank Jane Martin, Kristen Brown, and Flora’s nurses for their love and support during her illness. Thanks also to all who were so thoughtful and generous.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.copegallup.com

Cope Memorial Chapel of Gallup is entrusted with arrangements.