Alicia E Torres

Alicia E. Torres (nee Estrada) 88 years old passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024 in her home in her Pilsen neighborhood surrounded by family.
Cherished daughter to the late Francisco Estrada and the late Carmen Martinez.
Much loved wife of the late Raymond G. Torres who passed away in 1992.
Predeceased by her dear siblings; Ema (David) Rodriguez, Raul, Estela and Juan.
Loving mother to Maria Sheldrake (Torres), Blanca and Alicia Torres. Beloved by son-in-law, John Sheldrake.
Beloved grandmother to Sapphire Torres, Matthew Sheldrake, and Susannah Sheldrake.
Beloved by many In-laws and loving nieces and nephews both here in the Chicago area and in Mexico.
Alicia E. Torres was born in San Luis Potosi, SLP Mexico and grew up surrounded by her loving close family. She went to SLP university for a few courses, but she decided to go to pastry/ cooking school. She learned to make wonderful Mexican dishes and pastries and even though she didn't pursue that as a career, she would always be known for her wonderful cooking.
She met Raymond during this time, and she moved to Chicago after they got married in 1964. Three daughters were born, and the family was complete and settled in Pilsen.
She loved working at Western Electric and when that shut down, she had various jobs until she found another job that provided joy- being a lunch lady at the nearby CPS Orozco Academy, from where she retired. While it was hard work physically, she loved interacting with all the children and teachers.
Alicia and Raymond often recounted that what first brought them together was their deep Catholic faith. They were members of San Francisco, St. Pius V and then finally St. Adalbert. Their love for their parish of St. Adalbert and both its Polish and Spanish speaking communities were strong. Upon arrival at St. Adalbert, they felt welcomed by their fellow Polish parishioners. They eventually helped start the first Spanish masses at St. Adalbert and were involved in CCD classes, helping in the sacristy and in the kitchens. They were always there to help with Kermes and any other fests. St. Adalbert parish though closed now, will forever be a testament to their and others' commitment.
Alicia was also a member of Opus Dei. She received much support from them, and their mission of your life's work being dedicated to the service of God and others, this was always her mantra as well. She herself was always respectful of others in life, always being open and welcoming to all.
She had many dear friends and neighbors in her Pilsen community always being supportive and caring to anyone she met. She would instantly want to feed you her famous rice and chicken in mole, believing a full person was a happy person.
Alicia will always be remembered as being a person who listened and who offered advice, love, compassion & food! She was also always moving, never standing still, living her Catholic faith the best way she knew how, through her life's work.
Regards,
Blanca, Alicia and Maria Sandra