It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Florence R. Gurule, on Monday, June 12, 2023, peacefully at Home. She was born on February 13, 1936, in La Cueva, New Mexico.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Patricia Gurule, her mother Epimenia Chavez, grandson Brian Duran and husband Jose Fidel Gurule.
Florence battled cancer twice in her lifetime, from her initial diagnosis in 1989 to her second one which occurred in early 2019. She aggressively battled this second diagnosis during the final four years of her life.
She was united in marriage to Jose Fidel on July 12, 1952. Together they lived in Colorado and New Mexico (and briefly in Texas supporting Jose in the U.S. Army) throughout their 44 years of marriage. Florence is survived by seven children, Gina (Raymond) Pacheco of Cleveland, NM, Joseph Gurule of Rainsville, NM, Gwen Gurule of Buena Vista, NM, Cathy (Margarito) Duran of Milan, NM, Michael Gurule of Crest Hill, IL, Ronald (Pearl) Gurule of Springer, NM, and Annette (Richard) Martinez of Espanola, NM. She is also survived by one brother, Milnor (Connie) Chavez of Las Vegas, NM, and one sister, Cristella (Manuel) Pacheco of Rainsville, NM. Also surviving her are 17 grandchildren, 22 great-children, 7 nieces and 1 nephew. She is also survived by many “special” cousins and friends.
Her many hobbies included crocheting, embroidering, reading, puzzles, sewing, and cooking. She shared these passions with her family her entire life. Her many projects will become heirlooms and treasured memories amongst her family and friends.
A rosary for Florence will be recited on Monday, June 19th (7:00 pm) at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Mora, NM. A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, June 20th (10:00 am) at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Mora, NM. Following the mass, burial will take place at San Rafael Cemetery in La Cueva, NM. Pallbearers for Florence are her grandsons Dominic Pacheco, Curtis Pacheco, Joseph Gurule Jr, Patrick Gurule, Daniel Duran, Richie Martinez, and Jozzeb Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Henry, Michael Gurule Jr, Ronald Gurule Jr, Amanda Tapia, Barbara Duran, Rebecca Duran, Maile Gurule, Kirsten Gurule, AnnaLynn Martinez, and Kaylinn Martinez.
