Mary M. Torrez

Mary M. Torrez, 92, of Topeka, passed away February 17, 2014 a Lexington Park Care Center surrounded by her family. She was born on May 25, 1921, in San Julian, Jalisco, Mexico, the daughter of Calixto and Concepcion (Marquez) Martinez. Mary proudly became a United States citizen in 1975. She was a homemaker and worked for Seymour Foods. She also worked as a housekeeper for Dr. O'Neil and Dr. Cotton. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the Legion of Mary where she was honored as Mother of the Year in 2004. Mary enjoyed cooking, going to the casino and playing BINGO. Mary married Juan Paul "John" Torrez on April 23, 1938 in Kansas City, Ks. He preceded her in death on February 3, 1996. She is survived by her children, John P. (Dolores) Torrez Jr. of Topeka, Michael A. (Teresa) Torrez of Naperville, IL, Richard L. (Jan) Torrez of Topeka, Ernestine (Hank) Horgan of Topeka, Evelyn M. Blomer of Kansas City, KS, Mickey (Byron) Shaver of Topeka, Stella (David) Marinelli of White Plains, NY, and Yolanda Torrez of Topeka, three sisters Tomasa (Ivan) Sapata of Topeka, Augustina Hernandez of Topeka, Agapita Ceballos of Montebello, CA, 25 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and one great great grandson. She was preceded in death by her twin brother, Jessie Martinez, brothers, Aristeo, Joe, Christy and Cali, her sisters, Grace and Panfila and two grandchildren, Lynn Rakoski and Jennifer Blomer. Mary will lie in state after 4:00 P.M. Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with a Parish Rosary prayed at 6:00 p.m. and a Legion of Mary Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.