Alicia Torres Obituary (2018)

ALICIA TORRES Alicia Torres, 91 (also known as "Abu" to her grandchildren and as "Canita" to her family in Colombia) died on July 1, 2018 in Montclair, NJ. She was the daughter of Jesus Vargas and Anatilde Rodriguez and is survived by two daughters - Martha and Gladys Torres; three grandchildren - Andrea, Derek and Diana Baumgarten; and her lifelong kindred spirit, her sister Olga Fabre, who lives in Bogota, Colombia. Alicia is also survived by two loving nieces: Lucia Samaras and Yvonne Vargas from Chicago; four nieces in Bogota, Colombia and a nephew in Canton, Ohio; and three other nephews and a niece in Chicago and California. Alicia was predeceased by her dear husband, Edelmiro Torres. Alicia was born in Bogota, Colombia, and emigrated to the United States in 1951 where she worked as a secretary in the import/export area of the Borg Warner Corporation. In 1953, she married Edelmiro Torres. She cherished her colleagues at work and made many long-lasting friendships there but no doubt, the most important things in her life were her faith and her family. She was known for her love of family and love of cooking. These two passions often combined to give the family many happy moments together in which meals were shared and strong family bonds were forged. While the family gatherings live on in our memories, the most important thing for Alicia was always the strengthening of family unity. She continued the tradition of bringing family together after the family moved to Puerto Rico, Edelmiro's birthplace and his "tierra querida". In Puerto Rico, Alicia worked as a medical secretary and was well loved by her co-workers and patients, but again, it was the love of family that was of utmost importance. Alicia shared her baking talents with many in Puerto Rico and augmented her culinary skills by adding Puerto Rican cuisine to her repertoire. She will always be remembered for her kindness and giving spirit. Alicia made sure that the Lord was always at the center of her life and at the center of all family activities. Prayers were said daily for her mother, Anatilde (endearingly known as "Tata" or "Ita"), who had passed away in 1978, but always lived on in Alicia's heart. In addition to her mother, others were never far from her thoughts and prayers - even if she did not know them personally. Alicia always prayed for the lonely and the broken-hearted and for the wellbeing and safe keeping of her family. She quietly did good things. The love that Alicia gave to her family was reciprocated in part when in her last days, she relied on the love and care of family. Alicia Torres is now at peace. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 5 from 5-8 pm at Moriarty Funeral Home (76 Park St., Montclair, NJ) The mass will be at 10am on Friday, July 6 at Immaculate Conception Church (32 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ) A reception will follow the mass. Details to be provided then. All are welcome. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Alicia Torres to: "Immaculate Conception Church's Music Ministry" (1 Munn St. Montclair, NJ 07042) OR "Ramapo College's Newman Catholic Group" Checks can be made out to Ramapo College and Newman Catholic should be in the subject line. They can be addressed to: Eric Montgomery Financial and Technological Advisor for Clubs and Organizations Center for Student Involvement Ramapo College of New Jersey 201.684.7123 201.825.0276 (fax)