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Azucena de la Torre
Azucena de la Torre
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Azucena de la Torre Obituary
Azucena de la Torre, 50, was only 18 and just out of high school when she came to the United States from Ecuador, determined to make her own way in a new land. And in short order, she succeeded, earning a B.A. from City College and later a master's degree in computer science from New York University.
At Chase Manhattan Bank, Ms. de la Torre rose to become a vice president and senior project manager before joining Cantor Fitzgerald/eSpeed, working on the 103rd floor of 1 World Trade Center.
But it was among her close-knit family — her parents, five sisters and a brother — that Afita, as she was known, achieved her greatest success. "She was the center for the whole family," said her sister Gladys. "Anybody who had any questions would ask her. She had the ability to connect with everyone."
She took in her two young nieces when her sister, their mother, died, and taught them to be independent and strong. She helped with math homework, computer problems, and on Saturdays, presided over family barbecues that were held by her pool in Bulls Head, Staten Island, in a garden that also flourished under her touch.
"Afita was in charge of the barbecue," her niece Monica Jairala recalled. "Everybody else helped with other things, but she stood over the barbecue."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Martha Aguilar
September 12, 2021
I met Azucena back in the early 70s. I went to the university together with her sister Elsa. What I can remember of Azucena is her smile, and her down to earth way of being her. She was part of a wonderful family, and she herself was a wonderful person. Azucena, you are not with us anymore, nor your father and your sisters, my beloved friend Elsa, and Aurora, and your dear brother Carlos. But the memories are vivid, and I will always have you, and all of you in my prayers. Love,
Cindy Roe
September 6, 2021
Remembering Azucena on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
September 11, 2014
You are remembered, today and always. May God bless your loved ones with peace - and may we as a nation, never forget the kindest and goodness in so many lost. Rest in peace
Richard Ashby
September 13, 2011
I worked with Azucena briefly ay Chase Manahattan. She was always willing to give her time and knowledge to help others.
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Gladys
June 22, 2011
Always love you and remember you!
Sherry Merrill
September 11, 2010
You may be gone for now, but never forgotten. I watched the morning the planes hit and my heart broke, for the victims and those left behind. The memories you created with your family will be with them each time something reminds them of you....gone but never forgotten. God bless the USA.
Mo Krochmal
September 11, 2010
I didn't know Azucena, but her story is one that should inspire people who come to America to make a better life. I remember her on 9/11 to remember all of that fateful day.
Doug Abraham
April 19, 2009
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Linda Hofman
April 20, 2007
Hello Azucena,
Just to let you know that you have been on my mind the last few weeks. I am just stopping by to say "Hi".
:-)
Linda
Kristine
October 24, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
September 20, 2006
In remembrance....
Gladys
March 18, 2005
Hi Afita,
Just thinking about you.
Love,
Gladys
Silvia Azucena Vega
September 11, 2003
Azucena,
I don't know you or your family, but there are two things I share with you. You are Ecuadorean and my middle name is Azucena.
I never met anyone who had my middle name, and today I came across you and I just had to write to you.
May God provide your family with the strength to cope with their pain. And may you alwys be there to guide them as their Angel.
Linda Hofman
September 10, 2003
Dear Azucena,
On your second anniversary, I just want to let you know how much I think about you and do miss you. All those wonderful mornings we had talking as the day began in Metrotech... rides home on the ferry as our paths crossed again, after you moved to the trade center. As you would only know why, I think about you everytime I hit the save button on the toolbar... you're probably still chuckling about it. I am so honored to have known such a beautiful person!
May you rest in peace!
Linda
Gladys de la Torre
June 20, 2003
Hi Afita:
You are always in my heart and memories. There is not a single day that I don't think about you. I guess you know how much we miss you. Mother is not the same person she used to be. In one year she aged 10 and in 2 she has aged 20. You, Papi, Chana and Elsa are our guardian angels, you have to guide us and help us. The last few years have been kind of difficult for us as a family. Please continue to be there for us as always.
Love
Gladys
Gladys de la Torre
May 25, 2002
Hi Afita:
The other day I was reading poems, and to my surprise there was a poem that brought vivid memories of the night of September 10th. I remembered when I said goodbye and was leaving your home I had this strong feeling. At the time I did not know what it was. It was so real like a premonition. I had to go back and huged and kissed you. Who would believe that was the last time I would do it? The poem read as follow:
If I knew (anonymous)
"If I knew it would be the las time that I's see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew that it would be the las time I see you walk out of the door, I would give you a hug a call you back for more.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute to stop and say, "I love you" instead of assuming you know I do.
If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can just let this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make things right.
There's always another day to say "I love you" and certainly there's another chance to say "anything I can do." But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and hope we never forget."
Dear sister, I will always you. Our family misses you very much.
Your sister.
Gladys de la Torre
May 13, 2002
On October 11th, 2001 I needed to reflect and converse with you. At work there is a Chapel on the first floor, and at 8:45 AM I was there praying and talking to you. Many thoughts and memories flashed through my mind. But above all, I needed to find meaning to your death and needed to know that you have found peace and reassurance in your new life. Then, I told you that I was going to open the Bible and that opened page would be your message to me. The Psalm read as follow:
"Lord, you have been our refuge
through all generations.
Before the mountains were born,
the earth and the world brought forth,
from eternity to eternity you are God.
A thousand years in your eyes
are merely a yesterday.
But humans your return to dus
saying, "Return, you mortals!"
Before a watch passes in the night
you have brought them to their end.
They disappear like sleep at dawn;
they are like grass that dies.
It sprouts green in the morning,
by evening it is very dry and withered.
Truly we are consumed by your anger,
filled with terror by your wrath.
You have kept our faults before you
our hidden sins exposed to your sight.
Our life ebbs away under your wrath
our years end like a sigh.
Seventy is the sum of our years,
or eighty, if we are strong.
Most of them are sorrow and toil;
they pass quickly, we are all but gone.
Who comprehends your terrible anger?
Your wrath matches the feat it inspires.
Teach us to count our day aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Relent, O Lord! How long?
Have pity in your servants!
Fill us at daybreak with your love,
taht all our days we may sing as you humbled us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
Show your deeds to your servants,
your glory to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God be ours.
Prosper the work of our hands.
Prosper the work of our hands!"
Afita, you were wise and sent me a very meaningful message that day. You will always live in heart and memories. Your love and caring ways will be the legacy that will endure throughout the generations to come.
Your sister,
Gladys
Angie Campbell
April 23, 2002
May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in his loving peace..........
Carolyn Cuneo
March 12, 2002
Dear Azucena
I knew you for just a little while, but my last glimpse of you was so very sweet - you brought out Lucky and Nickki one at a time so my girls could play with them without being overwhelmed. I apologized over and over, but you just laughed. Your legacy is the incredible devotion you gave to your family and the unconditional love they share with you. I continue to pray for you, your mom, sisters and nieces. May God Bless you all.
"To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die".
Love,
Carolyn Cuneo
Charles and Karin Fleischman
March 12, 2002
On this 6 month anniversary we celebrate the life of Azucena. She was our friend as well as a co-worker.
Our grief is only tempered by the joy of having her in our lives and the insiration of her incredible dedication to her family. These memories are so very precious.
She and her family will be forever in our hearts.
God Bless!
Anonymous
January 8, 2002
DEAR LORD BLESS AZUCENA DELATORRE
AMD MAY SHE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD
AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY
AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA ..NEW
YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE FROM ECUADOR..AMEN..MAY WE NEVER FORGET
9/11/01..++++
Teresa Jahn
January 5, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Azucena. May her life and love live on in those who have been touched by her life. I too believe Azucena is an angel with God. I think she found shelter and protection from human pain as she was loving pulled in God's warm embrace. Cradled in His arms earthly cries became heavenly songs as angels were born. My you find comfort in God's love as you face this difficult time. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Lauren Smith
December 29, 2001
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God fill your lives with His abundant peace!
Maximo & Dora Cueva
December 27, 2001
nuestra amiga, azucena,
de tu amigos los peruanos.
que viviamos en 5to piso, en
mahattan
Dianne Purdy
November 4, 2001
My Prayers continue for your family. My heart aches for your great loss and I wish I had the words to comfort you.
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