Mary J. Torres

June 11, 1928 - April 1, 2013

June 11, 1928 - April 1, 2013 Mary J. Torres, 84, passed away Monday at Napa Valley Care Center. Mary was born to Higinio and Julia Abeyta on June 11, 1928 in Las Vegas, NM. She was the eldest daughter of 12 children. The family settled in Vallejo following Mary's graduation from high school. She was soon working at the movie theatre where she met her future husband, Joseph Torres. They married in 1948. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She spent her entire life taking care of her family and enjoyed being a care giver. She worked early on as a Nurses Aide and later at the schools working in the lunchrooms and as the yard duty person. She was a devout Catholic and would attend Mass with her mother on a regular basis. To many, she was the angel in their life. A life made better because she was a part of their journey. Mary was a wonderful cook, especially traditional foods from New Mexico. She would relax by reading books and going on vacations to New Mexico, Tahoe, Reno and the California coast. She was a member of various clubs and enjoyed playing bingo and most of all, spoiling her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph; and eight of her siblings, including her brother, Joe Abeyta who passed just two hours before her on Monday. Survivors include her daughters, Kathleen (Arturo) Makinano and Christina Torres; grandchildren, David, Michelle, Joe, Bryan and Benjamin; six great-grandchildren; sister, Cecelia (Ray)Canepa; brothers, Leo (Lucia) and Jerry (Donna) Abeyta; sister-in-laws, Mary, Tessie and Katie Abeyta; and brother-in-law, Ray Cordeiro. A memorial mass will be held 10 a.m., Friday at St. Vincent's Catholic Church, 925 Sacramento St., Vallejo. Inurnment will follow at All Souls Catholic Cemetery, Vallejo. Please sign the online guestbook at timesheraldonline.com. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707)552-6696.