Emily M. Torres' Obituary
Emilie “Margie” Torres, our Mom, from East Harlem, New York City, New York, passed away on October 5, 2021. She was born on March 20, 1937.
Mom also known as Abuela and Mamacita to her family, and Margie to her close friends, was known as a “mover and a shaker”, and enjoyed a vibrant and active lifestyle. Her favorite colors were black and red and when she went out, she wouldn’t be seen without her signature beret. Words that were frequently used to described her were beautiful, stylish, strong, energetic, fun and warm.
Mom always worked hard her whole life to provide for her family and held a number of occupations from Seamstress, Manager of the “Home of Latin Music”, and worked in sales at a glamorous high-end woman’s shoe store from which she eventually retired to take care of her youngest grandson Chazz.
Margie lived in Newburgh, Queens, and New York City, New York, before settling on the west coast in Oakland, California, with her eldest daughter, Iris. Her passions were TV novellas, collecting chachkas – mementos of her life memories, and reading books. She loved to travel, watch movies, attend Broadway shows, and taking daily walks throughout New York City to shop, enjoy the fine restaurants and of course, a glass of wine. In California, she was adventurous and relished on trying new things. She loved hanging out at the Cliff House restaurant in San Francisco, and the wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, CA -- sampling all the best wines and culinary delights. Mom loved being with her family, especially during the holidays. And, when her family came to visit, she cooked pernil, a Puerto Rican staple, rice and beans, avacate ensalada, and Spanish spaghetti feasts.
Mom was a quiet, private, and staunch member and follower of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by her three daughters, Iris Torres, Leonora Alonge, Lisa Cipriano and devoted son-in-law Craig Cipriano. She has seven grandchildren: Ivy, Scotty, Bethany, Nathaniel, Anthony, Dove, and Chazz, the youngest of her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Funeral arrangements will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, California.
What’s your fondest memory of Emily?
What’s a lesson you learned from Emily?
Share a story where Emily's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Emily you’ll never forget.
How did Emily make you smile?