Roselie Cantu Flores

Maria Rosario Cantu Flores, known lovingly as Roselie C. Flores, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 74. Born to Isabel Cantu Flores and Alberto Castillo Flores, Roselie was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Roselie was the beloved sister of Albert Flores of Defiance, Ohio; Sylvia Chaney and her husband Michael, formerly of Defiance, Ohio; Fred Flores of Berkey, Ohio; John Flores, formerly of Defiance, Ohio; and Linda Davila and her husband Rick, formerly of Defiance, Ohio. She was a devoted aunt to three generations of nieces and nephews spread across Indiana, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas. A proud 1969 graduate of Defiance High School,

Roselie pursued her passion for education at Defiance College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching. Her teaching career began in the Holgate Ohio School District, but her heart led her to Southern California. There, she dedicated over 30 years to Brekke Elementary School, where she found her true calling in teaching young migrant children to read, speak, and write English. To Roselie, her students were her children, and she loved them dearly.

In 2007, Roselie returned to her hometown of Defiance, Ohio, to care for her mother and be close to her family. She held her family in the highest regard and cherished every moment spent with them. Roselie was a free spirit; known for her outgoing nature and her ability to make everyone she met feel special. She had a deep love for animals and nature, and she found joy in the arts and music, with Neil Diamond being her favorite artist.

Roselie’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and students will forever be remembered. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Her family will have a Celebration of Life Service on July 19th at Kingsbury Park 118 Auglaize St, Defiance, OH at 1 PM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roselie Cantu Flores, please visit our floral store.