Lisa Ann (Hedlund) Torres

March 10, 1967 - August 20 2014

Lisa was born in Seattle, Washington to Dorothy and William E Hedlund. She died at home in Federal Way, Washington after an eleven month battle with brain cancer.

Lisa was an amazing person. She was a gifted teacher, a loving wife and mother, a great sister and friend. She was truly one of a kind. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She attended Sunnycrest Elementary (where she later taught), Totem Junior High, and St Anthony School. She graduated from John F Kennedy Memorial High School in 1985. She graduated from Western Washington University with a double major in Education and Spanish in 1989. She completed her Masters in Education at Whitworth College in 1993.

She married Roger Torres in 1994 and had two children, Aidan and Ariana, who were the most important people in her life.

Her teaching career began at Nautilus Elementary where she taught for many years. Later she taught at Sequoia Junior High and then at Sunnycrest Elementary. She loved her students and was so proud of them, watching as they grew. Many students over her 20 year career have kept in touch. She has impacted thousands of lives.

She is survived by her husband, Roger, and their children, Aidan and Ariana. She is also survived by her siblings and their families, Bill and Jennifer Hedlund and Lynn and Mark Austin as well as many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her two closest friends, Kara Dowidar and Lisa Bishop.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William E and Dorothy Hedlund.

In memory of Lisa a fund has been set up at http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/mama-torres/223065 to help the family with expenses.

A memorial service will take place at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, August 27th, at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park in SeaTac. A celebration of her life will follow at St Theresa Catholic Church in Federal Way at 2:30.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Aug. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Torres

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7 Entries

Kellie Wietstock

February 1, 2024

I was so proud to tell Mrs Torres she was going to be my teacher! It was field day and I was so excited to have the coolest teacher for 5th grade! I am so heartbroken to find out she has passed on. I am sure to meet her on the other side and let her know what a lasting affect her teaching had on me. Rest in Peace Mrs Torres.

Patricia Ordinola

June 19, 2016

I had no idea. I was just now lying in bed and Mrs. Torres popped into my mind. She was my 6th grade teacher and I loved her very much!

Madion Vaden

July 8, 2015

Lisa (or as I have always known her- Mrs. Torres) was my third and fourth grade teacher and hands down, was my favorite teacher my entire school career. Recently I wanted to find her and email her, to thank her for everything. She was so kind, and loving. She use to talk about how I should become a teacher because of my outstanding patience. My mom and her even laughed about it during a conference many years ago. I wanted to tell her I was seriously considering becoming an educator and thank her for being one of the best teachers I had ever had. I'm in college now, and I regret not having kept in touch with her and it breaks my heart knowing I can't tell her how she was such an important part of my childhood and still influences me today. She was a fantastic role model, an amazing teacher and a great person and I know she's touched the lives of many others. I know I'm late, but I just have to say thank you, Mrs. Torres. She will forever be loved and missed.

M S

October 9, 2014

Lisa, Thank you for your love and the time we spent together. Even though we where just kids I still have great memories of "US". Miss you....your Mom and Dad.....

August 27, 2014

Kendal had Lisa as a 5th grade teacher at Nautilus. I'll never forget Lisa's great attitude and belief in every student's potential. A shining star in all our lives. On dark nights, where stars are twinkling, we'll know Lisa is one of the brightest. We'll miss you Lisa, but you will be up there winking at us, always inspiring us... and we'll never forget you Love, The Feider Family :) :) :) :)

Michelle Owen

August 27, 2014

I always admired Lisa in her ability to handle stress. She was a great role model and I will always remember teaching with her at Nautilus! I am so sad to hear of this. Just sad...

Mary Volz

August 26, 2014

I still talk about the Lisa, Mary, and Patty team from our days at Nautilus. We were good together! And, the friendship that followed our working together was warm and genuine - and will always be memorable. Lisa will be guiding us from above - we are counting on it!! She will forever be loved.

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