Geraldine Dolores Torres passed away on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 5:30pm, surrounded by her loving family.She was 77 years young when she passed.She was known to her husband and siblings as Gerry.Her four children referred to her as Ma or Mom.To her six grandchildren she was Nana.She lived in Lake Forest, CA for 35 years prior to her death.
Geraldine was born to Samuel and Juanita Carmona on January 13, 1942 in Indio, CA.At the age of six months her family moved to Orange County, CA.Her first home was Hawaiian Gardens, CA for a short period of time.Her family then moved to Cypress, CA where she lived during her school years.She graduated from Western High School in 1960.
Geraldine worked for medical companies, Shiley Labs for 21 years.She began as a sewing operator sewing heart valves, then moved into the training department.The company was sold and she went to work for Edwards Life Sciences for 13 years.She was hired on as the manager in Quality Control for heart valves.She retired in 2006.
Geraldine's husband was a 20 year U.S. Marine.His active duty assignments took the family to Jacksonville, NC, Tustin, CA, Los Alamitos, CA, Memphis, TN, Tustin, CA again.Final residence was Lake Forest, CA.
Geraldine loved to cook, clean, garden and shop.Family was always first priority.Children were always involved in family activities.She went on many camping trips with family.
Geraldine loved to travel.There were many family vacations to Mexico.She and her husband traveled four times to Europe and once with her sister, Gloria.She enjoyed four ocean cruises with her husband and one with her sisters, Lorraine, Gloria and husband, Bryant.She loved many local and cross country rides on her husband's Harley Davidson motorcycle.When she rode with him as his passenger she would always give him big hugs just to reassure him how much she loved him.She endured all kinds of inclement weather and never once complained.She was a real trooper and a fighter.
Geraldine's last ride was in September and October 2018, to all the New England states, Niagara Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, Jack Daniels Distillery, Grand Old Opry, Memphis, TN, Natchez Trace Parkway, the San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo.As long as she was with her husband that's all that mattered.She was so much in love with him.They were always together.
Geraldine was predeceased by four sisters, Irene Duarte, Virginia Ramirez, Lorraine Delgado, and Barbara Ann Carmona and one brother, Joseph Pina, a WWII army veteran.
Geraldine is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Torres; four children, Bernadette Snyder, and spouse, Greg Snyder, Christopher Torres, Gabriel Torres and spouse, Julie Torres and Andrea Torres; followed by six grandchildren, Ashley and Austin Snyder, April and Alex Torres and Ashton and Addieson Croak; and siblings Gloria Wood, Sam Carmona and Juliet Crane.
Geraldine's services are as follows:
Viewing:Sunday, February 24, 2019, 6pm to 8pm; McCormick and Son Mortuary, 25002 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92637
Funeral Mass:Monday, February 25, 2019, 10am; Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church, 21862 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest CA 92630.Father Thomas will officiate the Funeral Mass.
Place of interment:Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 10am; Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
Pallbearers:Greg Snyder, Austin Snyder, Christopher Torres, Gabriel Torres, Alex Torres and Cesar Salinas.
Cross bearer:Ashton Croak will lead the procession in front of the casket to the altar.
McCormick and Son Mortuary is in charge of all the arrangements.
Thank you all for coming to honor Geraldine and to join us to celebrate her Life.
Three words that sum up Geraldine's life:Family, God, Love,
This poem was sent by a very close and loving friend, Marion Pratt.She loved Gerry very much.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand; The angel said my place was ready, In Heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.But when I walked through Heaven's Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me, And told me, "Welcome Home."So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.