Mary Jane Flores

Mrs. Mary Jane (Poirier) Flores, age 89, of Toledo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026. She was born on June 21, 1936, in Waltham, Massachusetts. Mary Jane graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1954 and from Newton-Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. In 1959, she was commissioned as a Naval Officer and proudly served for two years as a nurse at Bethesda Hospital, Maryland before being honorably discharged in 1961. During her service, she cared for her future husband, Joseph Flores, who was also a Naval Officer. Their first date was over Mexican food on January 21, 1961, the same evening as President John F. Kennedy's inauguration. Dedicated to advancing her education and career, Mary Jane attended St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia and became a certified nurse anesthetist in 1970. She was employed by Anesthesia Services Associates for 30 years. Her passion for helping others extended far beyond her profession. For 20 years, she traveled annually to the Dominican Republic with Midwest Medical Mission, providing medical care to families in need. She was also instrumental in establishing the first mobile migrant health clinic in northwest Ohio and volunteered with the F.L.O.C. Migrant Camp Summer Health Clinic for more than 20 years. Mary Jane was a lifelong Catholic, who not only practiced her faith but lived it. Mary Jane and her husband, Joe, shared a passion for serving the Mexican community. A mission she continued faithfully even after his passing. Another passion of hers was telling jokes, a sure way Mary Jane could pull a smile from anyone. To many, she was lovingly known as "Memere," a name that began with her first grandchild and quickly became what everyone called her. Her compassion, humor, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others touched countless lives. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Judge Joseph A. Flores, and her brother, Paul Poirier. She is survived by her son, Andre (Jessica) Flores; daughters, Maria (Jeffre) Flores Sendelbach and Judith Winhoven; and her cherished grandchildren, Mia, Alex, and Alaina. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Dintino and Barbara Tate, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Friends may visit at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo on Sunday, May 31 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. where a Rosary Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Additional visitation will begin on Monday, June 1 at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, 2535 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH 43610 from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Mary Jane requested that memorial contributions be made to: Helping Hands of St. Louis, 1933 Spielbusch Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43604 or to The Padua Center, 1416 Nebraska Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43607.

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Mary Jane Flores

June 21, 1936 - May 24, 2026