Helen Frescas "Nena" Torres

1931 - 2023

Helen "Nena" Frescas Torres, 92, was born on January 31, 1931, in Los Angeles, CA, to Maria Ruelas and Alberto Frescas. Helen went to join her beloved husband Art and daughter Yvonne in heaven on December 1, 2023.

Helen grew up in East L.A. where she enjoyed going to dances in the 1940's. She relocated to Colusa, CA, in 1950 where she met the love of her life, Art Torres. They were married in 1951 and enjoyed 42 years together with 5 children.

She was a domestic engineer and worked many years on the tomato harvester in the summers, several years in the school cafeteria with her honorary daughter Audrey Taylor Carrion where she got to meet and tease many students who have fond memories of her. She was very involved in the Colusa and Yuba City Moose Lodges and spent many years volunteering as an interpreter at the school, a 4-H Leader, Brownie Leader, and a Boy/Girl Scout Leader.

In 2007, Helen met Bill Henry, aka "Santa Claus" at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop where they both volunteered together and later volunteered together at the Hands of Hope homeless shelter in Yuba City. She fell in love with Bill and enjoyed the rest of her life with him in Yuba City.
~In 2011, after searching for over 25 years, Helen met her first born, Chris Gray, whom she was in contact with when Chris was a little girl. Her biggest regret in life was having to give her first born up for adoption but finding Chris and being able to spend 12 years with her completed her journey.

Helen leaves behind her companion of 16 years, Bill Henry and his beautiful family whom she loved very much; her son, Art (Yolanda) Torres; daughters, Chris Gray, Sylvia (Frank) Ybarra, Vivian Rodriguez, Deneen (Ascencion) Torres and her honorary daughter, Audrey (Allen) Carrion; and several Godchildren. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Maria Godinez, Anna (Jesus) Vasquez, Juanita Artamenko, Jason (Paloma) Ybarra, Eric (Jennifer) Ybarra, Artie (Amber) Torres, Teresa Torres, Marcelo "Moose" Rodriguez, Steven Torres, Leticia (Manny) Valenzuela, Adrian Torres; 22 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Art Torres; daughter, Yvonne Sweet; her parents, Alberto Frescas and Maria Ruelas, her sisters Margaret Ramirez and Vera Pena.

Her memory will live on in all her descendants and all those fortunate enough to have known her vibrant spirit.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 4-8pm at McNary Moore Chapel with a rosary at 7pm. Mass will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Colusa at 10:30 am. Graveside will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Reception to follow at St. Bernadette Hall at 745 Ware Ave. in Colusa.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society - https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialpage