Mary Helen "Len" Flowers, 62, of Tijeras, NM, passed away unexpectedly from acute respiratory failure on August 22, 2021, while being treated for chronic medical conditions at UNMH.  With her keen intelligence, sense of humor, and empathetic heart, Len will be remembered for her academic and professional accomplishments, her joy and fulfillment in motherhood, and her dedication to preserving and improving the environment. The youngest of five daughters, Len was an exceptionally bright student, graduating at age 15 from Grandview Heights High School in Ohio where she played clarinet, alto sax, and flute with the swing and marching bands. Accepted into Michigan State's pre-medical program, Len ultimately earned a B.S. from Ohio State University and an M.S. of Environmental Toxicology from University of Arizona at Tucson. She studied internationally in Sweden and Montreal and served for the Peace Corps in El Salvador in the 70s. She married Carl Allen in 1982, and the young family of four relocated from Tucson in 1985 to Albuquerque where Len conducted environmental restoration studies for the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) project, working in the field to assess groundwater quality and to inform affected Navajo and Hopi families of potential health impacts from contaminants and cleanup. She later took international assignments in London and Calgary. Committed to improving health and safety for all New Mexicans, Len left the private sector to serve as NM Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau Chief, successfully writing and securing multiple grants from the CDC. Ultimately, she accepted the position of Environmental Epidemiologist for the CDC in 2009 and relocated to Atlanta with her newlywed second husband. When stroke forced her into early retirement in 2012, the couple returned to Tijeras where they resolved to energetically meet the new challenges they faced. For all her professional successes, nothing brought Len more joy than raising her sons, and she dedicated herself to giving them a stable, loving home where she cultivated an appreciation for music and art; where educational achievements were rewarded, and creative expression was encouraged; and where a love of nature was generously indulged. She rejoiced in her sons' individual achievements as much as her own. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Frances Flowers and a sister, Elizabeth Faye Flowers (Latta). She is survived by John Beck; sons, Joshua Allen-Flowers of Austin, and Jordan Allen-Flowers of Leavenworth WA; sisters, Sheri Flowers and Rebecca Raby of Columbus, OH, and Deborah Flowers (Cool) of El Paso; nephews Michael Latta, Mark Raby, Eric Raby, and niece, Jessica Raby; stepdaughters Carena Swisher, Patty Hibbard, and Tina Rauert; and eight step-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, at the Cathedral of St. John's on 318 Silver Ave SW in Albuquerque. The service will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube at stjohnsabq.org . In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to St. John's.