Obituaries

Lydia L. Torres Lydia L. Torres passed away February 1, 2005 surrounded by her six sons and seven daughters, and her grandchildren whom she knew each by their name; and thus was reunited with her late husband, Angel O. Torres, who passed away in July 1978.Lydia was born November 5, 1913 at Limoneira in Santa Paula, and was raised in Santa Paula until her marriage to Angel in 1927. She and Angel initially lived in Santa Barbara for three years prior to returning to Santa Paula as her permanent residence, to include her 52 years of marriage and her subsequent life with her family.Lydia was no stranger to the world, traveling through the United States, Europe, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.An accomplished seamstress, she worked for Olga Industries from 1968 to 1978; and she never failed to dazzle her children and grandchildren with her art and sewing creations.Lydia also participated in several community volunteer programs, including the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous, and as an election day volunteer for the Democratic Party. Additionally, Lydia was honored by the Oxnard Hispanic community with the Aldelita Award for Mother of the Year in 2004.Her heart and home were always open to those seeking a hug, a kiss, a meal and a blessing.She is survived by her 13 children: Joe Torres (and spouse Eleanor) of Santa Paula, Rachael Medina (and spouse Albert) of El Rio, Rudy Torres (and spouse Margaret) of Fillmore, Sylvia Ramirez (and spouse Pascual) of Saticoy, Angel (Sonny) Torres (and spouse Gwen) of Los Angeles, Eleanor Robles (and spouse Ted) of Oxnard, Delores Lopez (and spouse Richard) of Santa Paula, Olivia Arellano (and spouse Frank) of Santa Paula, John Torres (and spouse Cindy) of Pasadena, Maryland, Yolanda Murphy (and spouse Walter) of Lemon Grove, CA, Elizabeth Boylan (and spouse Gary) of Marietta, Georgia, Stephen Torres (and spouse Gretchen) of Oak View, and Robert Torres (and spouse Teresa) of Ventura; and her 33 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Even though she will no longer be in our presence, she will be in our hearts, our memories, and our prayers for her giving us the joy of her presence, the benefit of her wisdom, and her loving ways.