Ilene Flora

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we share the passing of Ilene Fern Flora-a devoted wife, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, caring sister, and beloved friend-whose life was a beautiful reflection of love shared and memories made. Ilene passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 60, after facing health challenges with courage and grace.

Born in Washington, D.C., to Melvin and Helen (Blumenfeld) Lieberman, Ilene was a steady, loving presence in her family. She loved her mother deeply and the two shared a special bond - expressed often through their mutual love of Hallmark cards. Ilene also lovingly served as a liaison between her family in Texas and her loved ones in the Northeast, always keeping connections close and relationships strong.

Ilene shared 37 years of unwavering partnership and laughter with her husband, Robert "Bob" Flora, building a life rooted in love in Houston, Texas. She was the biggest cheerleader for their three children - Matt, Megan, and Michael. She attended every single high school football game for Matthew, wrestling match for Megan, and cross country meet for Michael. Her happiest role came later in life as Grandma to her granddaughter Charlotte, whose funny, sassy, and loveable personality - and big hugs - motivated Ilene to fight for so long.

More than anything, Ilene cherished time spent together-whether it was grilling hot dogs overcooked on a hot summer day with her family, scrapbooking photo albums of her family, cheering on Houston sports teams, watching a movie with her husband, or making sure that everyone could attend family dinners.

Ilene gave of herself freely, well known for volunteering for the prom committee and parent-teacher organizations (PTO) throughout her children's entire schooling. She loved celebrating every single family accomplishment - whether it was Bob retiring from a very successful career as a corporate attorney, Matthew becoming the man she always wanted him to be, Megan being a wonderful mother and wife to Charlotte and Justin, or Michael achieving the ambitious goals that he would set for himself. Her loved ones were her priority.

Preceding Ilene in death are: her parents, Helen and Melvin Lieberman; her father-in-law, Joseph Flora; and her brothers-in-law, Joey Flora and Patrick Neagle. She leaves behind her loving husband, Robert "Bob" Flora; her children, Matthew Flora and his partner Berenice, Megan Finger and her husband Justin, and Michael Flora and his fiancée Alyssa; her cherished granddaughter, Charlotte Finger; her dear sister, Andi Neagle; her beloved niece and nephew, Melissa Riese and Steve Neagle; her mother-in-law, Eileen Flora; and her brother-in-law, Dan Flora.

The Flora Family invites everyone to celebrate Ilene's life on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home located at 634 S. Columbia Drive, West Columbia, Texas 77486. The viewing will take place at 11:00 a.m. with her funeral service to immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. For those family and friends who are not able to attend, please join the live stream at 1pm via the link on Ilene's obituary page.

Though Ilene is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely remains-woven into our hearts, stitched into our memories, and carried forward in every story we tell about her. Her spirit will forever be a part of us.

As we honor Ilene's beautiful legacy, the family invites you to share your own memories, messages of comfort, and words of encouragement by visiting her tribute page online. Your reflections are a lasting gift, helping to carry her light forward and surround her loved ones with the warmth of community during this tender time.