Rafaela Torres, 95, Had a Joyful and Giving Spirit
Rafaela Torres, 95, of Lorain, passed away at home on Saturday, August 17, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Born on October 24, 1928, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, Rafaela moved to Lorain after marrying Hector Torres on December 25, 1951. She was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain, Ohio, where she served the congregation and community through various ministries, including Cursillo de Cristianidad, Sociedad de Damas, Legion of Mary, Eucharistic Ministry, and church catering and kitchen ministry.
Her joyful and giving spirit endeared her to family and friends alike. Every guest in her home was welcomed with love and treated to her delicious Puerto Rican cuisine, perfected over years of cooking for both large and small gatherings. Together with her husband, Rafaela opened her home to the homeless and less fortunate, offering conversation and a warm meal. A talented seamstress, she lovingly crafted communion dresses, Halloween costumes, and everyday outfits for her children and grandchildren together fine crochet, ie, “Copias”. In her free time, she delighted in gathering friends for card games and Bingo.
She will be deeply missed by her children, sons Hector (Maggie) & John (Reina) Torres of Lorain. daughters, Zoraida Torres of Lorain, Judy (Jose) Gonzalez of Amherst, Mary Jean Torres-(Andujar) and Ana B. Torres-(Parrilla) of Lorain; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
Rafaela was preceded in death by her husband Hector Torres, son Edwin Torres, foster children Celestino “Cel” Rivera and Nilda Fernandez, grandson Elias Andujar, parents Esteban and Maria “Lola” Martinez, and siblings Raymond, David, Octavia, Nelida, Aida and Arminda.
Her family will receive friends on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Richard J. Reidy, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain. Friends may also call at the Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Friday, August 23 from 9:00am until 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial. Rev. Father William A. Thaden, pastor will officiate. Her burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
In lieu of flowers, her family encourages contributions to Sacred Heart Memorial Fund via sacredheartchapel.org
For expressions of sympathy and further information, please visit Reidyfuneral.com.