Mary Joe Torgerson

My grandma was an immeasurable staple of greatness for me personally and to our entire family. Born out of the depression era, she was raised with a level of grit one simply can't find in people nowadays. When she moved up to Washington, we began a tradition of family dinners on Sunday night. I always felt a true sense of warmth, comfort, and belonging in her presence and loved ending our weekends in such a wholesome manner. The devotion she displayed towards the English language far outlived her highly influential and successful teaching career, as she played Bridge, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and did crossword puzzles daily well into her twilight years. I'm also proud to say she influenced multiple generations of our family to attain higher education. Nobody can replace the impressions and positivity grandma radiated all around us. She will always be celebrated and remembered.
To Courtney: thank YOU for sharing your memories of my grandmother. It brings our family immense joy to hear she sparked the flame which lit your journey onto becoming an English teacher yourself. Congratulations to your success and I'm beyond thrilled you were able to find this post and share such an awesome story.
Rest in Peace grandma, we love you. May God bless you!

She had a positive influence on me as a very young child. We made weekly trips to the Public Library over near Hoffman Park in Albuquerque. Yes indeed, a great Teacher of Literature for all who had a thirst for reading and knowledge. That was my Mom. Rest in Peace Mom! We miss you!

I am a former student of Ms. Torgerson's (Highland High School, class of 1989). Ms. Torgerson was incredibly influential in my education and career, to the point that I became a high school English teacher myself and that I pursued my PhD in English with a concentration in American literature. Her clear love of American Modernism inspired me to teach with passion and dedication. She was a master teacher. I am so honored to have been her student.