Greta Katherine Toranzo

2014 - 2025

Greta Katherine Toranzo
11/28/2014 - 07/05/2025
Greta Katherine Toranzo, 10, died tragically on July 5, 2025, in the Kerr County flood. Greta was a radiant light in every life she touched. Born on November 28, 2014, Greta brought with her a joy that was both fierce and gentle, a spirit full of imagination, generosity, and love. Whether at home, at school, in the pool, or on the tennis court, Greta radiated pure happiness with an infectious smile. She was kind and creative, athletic and brave, and wise beyond her years. She had a gift for making others feel seen, included, and loved.
Greta was thrilled to return to Camp Mystic this summer for her third year. As an Ever Loyal Kiowa, she was overjoyed to be reunited with her camp friends and counselors, eager for weeks filled with laughter, games, nature, and the deep bonds of sisterhood she treasured. Blue, the color of the Kiowas, was also Greta's favorite color.
She was a proud all-A honor student and cheerleader at Sinclair Elementary, where she received various honors including the Citizenship Award. At the Briar Club, Greta shone brightly as a member of the youth tennis team, where she was a decorated athlete, winning the youth club championship. This spring, her team won the Houston City Championship and moved on to the Sectional Tournament in Abilene where they brough home third place in the State Championship. Greta also swam with the Barracudas Swim Team and loved the friendships and encouragement she found from both her tennis and swim coaches. At Timbergrove Sports Association, she played softball, always bringing her spirited energy to the field. A natural athlete, Greta also played field hockey and lacrosse. Greta loved animals deeply, especially dogs, and took English horseback riding lessons, which brought her great joy. Greta enjoyed listening to music, especially Taylor Swift and Benson Boone, and making up dances with her friends. With her family, she loved to cheer on the Texas Longhorns, watch movies (but not scary ones!), and travel including memorable vacations to New York City, Disneyland, San Diego, Chicago, Telluride, Jackson Hole, and San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
Above all, Greta was a caring big sister to her little brother, Oliver, and a friend to so many. She delighted in helping younger children and often went out of her way to include and uplift those around her. Her independent nature and generous heart guided everything she did.
Greta is the cherished daughter of Ellen (Kolpin) and Jorge Toranzo, of Houston, and the adored big sister of Oliver Toranzo. She is the beloved granddaughter of Maribeth (Wint) and Kenneth Kolpin of Houston, Texas, and Graciela Toranzo Benavente of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Jose Martín Toranzo Fernandez.
She also leaves behind her maternal aunt and uncle, Michelle and Preston Bruce, and her cousins Caroline and Hailey Bruce, all of Houston, Texas; and her paternal uncle, Jose Martín Toranzo Benavente, along with cousins Jose Martín, Victoria, and Emmanuel Toranzo Cordova, all of San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
A memorial service for friends, family, and the community to celebrate Greta's beautiful life will be held on Monday, July 14 at one o'clock in the afternoon at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. For those that can not make it in person, you may view the service at https://memorials.stlukesmethodist.org/greta-toranzo/.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Greta Katherine Toranzo Memorial Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
Greta's absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Her laughter, her fierce hugs, her kindness, and her fearless spirit will be remembered always. She will forever be our brightest light.