Marcella S. Florez

On Friday, January 3, 2013, Marcella Florez passed away peacefully in her home with family at her side. Marcella was born in San Acacia, NM on August 10, 1935 to the late Pilar and Brigida Saiz. She moved to Albuquerque, NM with her family in 1942. She graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1954 and the Western School for Secretaries in 1957. Growing up, she loved dancing and the fiestas. She also loved to travel whenever possible. In 1959 she married the love of her life, Joe Florez, and they had four beautiful children. She was very active in her children�s lives and activities including football, little league baseball, soccer, and chorus. She was very passionate about community and politics. As a member and officer of Duke City Business and Professional Women, she helped start the speaker�s bureau for the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence. In the 90�s she attended the University of Phoenix and received her Associates degree. She retired from Sandia National Laboratories in 1997. She was a member of Risen Savior Catholic Church and was a volunteer in the church office. Marcella was preceded in death by her husband Joe, grandson Christopher Lavarta, sisters, Tomasita Mirabal, Merlinda Martinez, and brother, Victor Saiz. She is survived by her children, Mariano Florez, Joanne Florez, Rick Florez and wife Lanore, Storm Florez and wife Annalise; her step-children, Lisa Lavarta, and Jody Flores and wife Patty; her grandsons, Joseph, Jerod, and Maulen Florez and Greg Lavarta; her brother, Luis Saiz and wife Ramona, her sisters, Mary Sanchez and Novie Sanchez; her brothers-in-law, Leo Martinez, Roy and David Flores and wife Silvia, and sisters-in-law, Lala Ledezma and husband Olmedo, Vickie Sanchez, and Velia Aguilar and husband Nick. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly. A Rosary is scheduled for 7pm, Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Daniel�s Funeral Home at 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10am, Friday, January 10, 2014 at Risen Savior Catholic Church at 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Burial is scheduled for the following Monday at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 10:30 am. The family is very grateful for all of the love and support they�ve received thus far. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.