New York, New York
Small in Stature Only
Doris S. Torres was soft-spoken, sweet, and very petite — about five feet tall. But "she had so much inner strength that she seemed to be like seven feet tall," said her sister, Mercedes.
On Sept. 11 and for a few days after, Ms. Torres made great use of that strength. She worked in foreign trade for Fiduciary Trust International, and left her office on the 97th floor of the south tower as soon as the first plane hit the north tower. She helped an emotional colleague down a few flights and returned to help others. Ms. Torres eventually made it out of the building, but she was severely burned. She was taken to St. Vincent's Manhattan Hospital, where she died on Sept. 16, her family said.
Ms. Torres, 32, was a private woman, but she kept her family close. She shared a house in the Bronx with her mother, Blanca Cruz-Aquino. "I miss her every day," Mrs. Cruz-Aquino said. "I continue to hear her steps every morning, coming down the steps to go to work."
The eldest of four children raised in Brooklyn, Ms. Torres considered raising her son, Anthony Small, 15, her greatest accomplishment. "Her biggest passion and her biggest pride was her son," said Ms. Torres's sister, who is now his guardian. "They were very close."
It is a pride that they now return, many times over. "She is my hero," said Mrs. Cruz-Aquino. "I have my hope that some day I'm going to hug her and give her a kiss. I know I will."
May you rest peacefully - it is difficult to think that 24 years has already passed by. I read Doris' story and was deeply touched about her help for others on this tragic day. I teared up reading the previous posts, especially from "Ur Lil Sis", even 24 years later you still leave a deep impact on those who were so close to you.
Diana R
September 11, 2025 | Other
24 yrs of a life sentence with no you.
How can they cut out the most fragrant flower n still want the garden to bloom?
My heart echoes with your absence
I will never stop wanting you back
Rest now My Sweet DiDi..my love for you will last thru a million lifetimes
Ur Lil Sis
September 11, 2025 | Bklyn, NY | Sister
My Sweet DiDi..Thanksgiving is here again, still no pineapple upside down cake to eat. Thinking of you, loving n missing you infinitely...I have never stopped needing you! I will nap a lot today in hopes of seeing you at least in my dreams..i saw mom crying for you the other day and i understand her..you are the sweetest song that no longer plays!
Give my Pharoah belly rubs, tell him his momma isnt used to his absence. Give Pops a raspberry for me lol.
Until I get there save a...
Ur Lil Sis
November 28, 2024 | Brklyn | Sister
Love to you and your family always, you are in our thoughts
Stephanie Felix
October 02, 2024 | Other
My Sweet DiDi...my heart cries out for you. I need you now as much as I did when we were just girls. I miss your face. I relive all the times I hugged you in my life, wishing I had one more time.
I LOVE YOU BEYOND MEASURE & I will ALWAYS want you back.
Please give my Pharoah some belly rubs and he loves to be scratched behind his left ear.
Until I get there save a space for me.
Ur Lil Sis
February 28, 2024 | Brooklyn, NY | Sister
Walked past the street sign today, decided to research the name and it led me to your story on 9/11. You fought so hard. A true selfless hero. Rest in paradise.
Rach Archbishop
February 24, 2024 | Ny, NY
I didn't know Doris, but I heard her story from the man who helped her get to medical help while escaping the collapsing towers. She helped others escaped and even saved the man who was helping her to get away from the scene. She is a true American hero in my eyes. I saw her sister's posts here and it really tugged at my heart. Yes Lil' Sis... you WILL see your sister again one day and she sees all you are going through. Know she is with you always. Love is what holds the world together and...
Jon Almada
November 18, 2023 | Other
My Sweet Sister, I am 22 years into this life sentence and its been quite a struggle. Even up to this very day I need you. I will always need you!! I speak to you all the time, somehow I know you hear me. I look for your face in a crowd, even if I know you're face won't be there for me to find. I hold you so close to my heart. Looking at our emails from so many yesterdays ago, living in a once upon a time moment both hurts and helps. I will NEVER stop MISSING or LOVING you.
Until I...
Ur Lil Sis
September 12, 2023 | Bx, NY | Sister
My condolences go to Torres/small family . I actually never knew Doris but somehow stumbled upon her story a while back . As I read her story I was amazed at her bravery and how selfless she was , so I come here today to tell you all how proud I am to say that I never thought a half Puerto Rican / half Salvadoran 5ft tall women would make me a 22 year old young man feel proud to say Im a Salvadoran from NY because its people like her that remind us to be proud of where we are from ! 22 years...
Tommy Yanes
September 11, 2023 | Other