Maria Carmen Chidester
April 23, 1924 — September 26, 2018
Maria Carmen Chidester was born on April 23, 1924 in Laredo, Texas to Agipita Salinas. She entered into eternal rest on September 26, 2018 at the age of 94.
Maria Carmen Flores was the first born of a large loving family in Laredo Texas. She grew up during the Great Depression and came of age during WWII. She was so proud of her part in the war effort as a Rosie the Riveter in Corpus Cristy Texas. Maria's work ethic was instilled by her hard working parents. Working and independence and this difficult period shaped her into the strong and loving women that she became. While in corpus she met Thurman Chidester, a Navy man and married him following the war. Thurman brought his bride to California where they established there life together. They had four children, the eldest son Lee, Cecilia, Nora and Cathy. She was a wonderful mother, alway loving and strong. Caring for her family through good and bad times. She loved working a the local hospital, Presbyterian Intercommunity, volunteering and helping others. She was the hub of her family and known for her strength and perseverance, losing her husband and three children over the years. She loved her grandchildren and adored her great-grandchildren. Alway looking for a treat or toy to have ready for their visits. Right up to the end, she was looking forward to family gatherings, going shopping and eating out with her care giver Norma. She will be remembered for her strength, dignity, sense of humor, love of her home and garden, and how she cared for so many. We hope to carry on her love and strength to make this world a better place.
Maria is survived by her loving family, her daughter, Cathy Chidester, her grandchildren, James Age and Michael Age (Tricia), and her great grandchildren, Kaelyn Age, Bradley Age, and Taylor Age. She is also survived by her brother, Leopoldo Flores, her nieces, Victoria Brandon and Bonnie Brandon, as well as many other loving nieces and nephews and friends.
Maria was greeted at Heaven's Gate by her loving husband, Thurman Chidester, her son, Lee Chidester, her daughter, Cecilia Age, and her daughter, Nora Chidester.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you make donations to the PIH Foundation ( https://www.pihhealth.org/support/ ).
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website.
Maria Carmen Flores was the first born of a large loving family in Laredo Texas. She grew up during the Great Depression and came of age during WWII. She was so proud of her part in the war effort as a Rosie the Riveter in Corpus Cristy Texas. Maria's work ethic was instilled by her hard working parents. Working and independence and this difficult period shaped her into the strong and loving women that she became. While in corpus she met Thurman Chidester, a Navy man and married him following the war. Thurman brought his bride to California where they established there life together. They had four children, the eldest son Lee, Cecilia, Nora and Cathy. She was a wonderful mother, alway loving and strong. Caring for her family through good and bad times. She loved working a the local hospital, Presbyterian Intercommunity, volunteering and helping others. She was the hub of her family and known for her strength and perseverance, losing her husband and three children over the years. She loved her grandchildren and adored her great-grandchildren. Alway looking for a treat or toy to have ready for their visits. Right up to the end, she was looking forward to family gatherings, going shopping and eating out with her care giver Norma. She will be remembered for her strength, dignity, sense of humor, love of her home and garden, and how she cared for so many. We hope to carry on her love and strength to make this world a better place.
Maria is survived by her loving family, her daughter, Cathy Chidester, her grandchildren, James Age and Michael Age (Tricia), and her great grandchildren, Kaelyn Age, Bradley Age, and Taylor Age. She is also survived by her brother, Leopoldo Flores, her nieces, Victoria Brandon and Bonnie Brandon, as well as many other loving nieces and nephews and friends.
Maria was greeted at Heaven's Gate by her loving husband, Thurman Chidester, her son, Lee Chidester, her daughter, Cecilia Age, and her daughter, Nora Chidester.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you make donations to the PIH Foundation ( https://www.pihhealth.org/support/ ).
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Maria Carmen Chidester, please visit our flower store.