Connie Flores

She shared fond memories of taking the bus to school with her siblings and taking long bike rides past the neighboring farms in rural New Salem, Pennsylvania. Being the eldest of four, she had plenty of chores to do, but that did not deter her from being committed to her studies and developing her love of reading and writing.  Connie learned the value of hard work and the importance of detail in doing quality work.  She attended Redbank Valley High School (Class of 1967) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  In 1969 she married Dennis Miller (Dan and Christine's father).  Her passion for learning extended beyond her formal education as she continued to explore new interests throughout her life.

Connie was a dedicated professional who started her banking career at Mellon Bank in Pennsylvania.  After relocating to California in 1980, she worked at Pomona First Federal Savings and Loan in Palm Desert (where she met her second husband Pete Flores).   She then started working as a Spa Concierge at JW Desert Springs Marriott.  It wasn't long before she saw an opportunity to use her strengths to earn an Esthetician license.  Connie was highly regarded at the Spa; providing facials for resort guests and celebrity clients.

A woman of many talents and hobbies, Connie was known for her love of  reading and writing.  She was proud to share stories of her Pennsylvania "Dutch" upbringing and applied her inquisitive mindset to research her children's paternal history (Miller family) which she published in 1979. She enjoyed solving jigsaw and Sudoku puzzles, hula hooping, walking, lunch dates and movies with friends, dancing with her daughter and granddaughter, baking delicious  treats, and keeping up with the latest fashion trends.  Connie's creative spirit could be seen in her painting that she enjoyed in her later years.  She continued to research and document her ancestry up until her last days.
 
In retirement, Connie enjoyed being a consultant for Touchstone jewelry by Swarovski.  She found new friends through this venture and found it provided her a creative outlet as well.  She found joy in cheering on the Dodgers with her husband Pete. They also enjoyed a cruise to Alaska, trips to Hawaii.  She traveled to Germany and Paris, France with her daughter.  Connie also graciously assisted in the care-taking of granddaughter Annika up until pre-school age; a gift that will forever be appreciated.

Connie's proudest accomplishments revolved around her family whom she cherished deeply. She is survived by her loving husband Pete Flores, devoted son Dan Miller, caring daughter Christine Hartooni, adored grandchildren Alex Miller (20), Carson Miller (15), and Annika Hartooni (14). She is also survived by her sisters Karen Buckley and Tanza Pence, as well as her brother Kalvin "Kelly" Gruver.

A celebration of Connie's life will be held locally.  A separate ceremony will take place in Pennsylvania at a later date.

Rest in peace, Connie.🩷