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Mary Joe Torgerson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Feb. 3 to Feb. 8, 2023.

Our Mother Mary Joe, a true gift from God lived a wonderfully blessed life. She was born in Aztec N.M. to Homesteaders from Kentucky. She graduated from Durango High School, attended U.N.M and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. She raised 3 boys in Albuquerque with her former Husband, Coach Don L. Torgerson. She served as a lifelong career Teacher in the Albuquerque Public School System, working at Jefferson Middle School and Highland High School. Mary Joe had the privilege of teaching thousands of students during her career and she truly loved her profession. Sadly, after a painful and lengthy battle with lung cancer, she passed away and was called home to be with her Lord, King and Savior Jesus Christ. Per her wishes, Mary Joe was laid to rest in a privately held family ceremony, off of the coast of Jetty Island in Puget Sound Washington. She was preceded in death in 1998 by her Son Tod Torgerson, and her Mother Mary. She is survived by her two Sons Greg and Brad, three Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren. Mary Joe was a strong advocate and supporter for The Disabled American Veterans Association. In place of flowers, The Torgerson Family has kindly asked that donations be made on her behalf to the DAV on line at www.dav.org

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Recent Activity

February 8, 2023

Grandson posted to the memorial.

February 8, 2023

Grandson posted to the memorial.

February 8, 2023

Grandson posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Grandson

February 8, 2023

Grandson

February 8, 2023

Grandson

February 8, 2023

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!

February 8, 2023

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!

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Courtney Lawton

February 8, 2023

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.

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