Obituary: Elena Torres, Age 78

Elena Torres was called to heaven on January 18, 2013 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Benichembla, Spain on January 7, 1935, daughter of the late Manuel and Elena (Mas) Ripoll. She immigrated to this country in 1953 and married Jose Torres, the love of her life, on July 8, 1961 back in their hometown of Benichembla, Spain. She dedicated her early life to raising their two daughters and then went to work at Textron Lycoming, retiring in 1993 after 15 years of service.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud of her Spanish heritage and culture and instilled that love in her children and grandchildren. The family spent many happy summers at their family home in Benichembla. The light of her life was her three grandchildren, whom they called their beloved “E”.

Elena was involved in all facets of their everyday life and treasured every moment being with them. Elena was a strong, yet gentle and kind woman of faith, who always put others before herself. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, traveling and shopping. Elena touched the lives of so many people and she will live on forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, her two daughters, Elaine (Paul) Gaetano and Gloria (Michael) Wardell, her three grandchildren, Joseph, Alexa and Elise Wardell and her granddog Lola. She is also survived by a brother, Manuel (Frances) Ripoll and many nieces and nephews in Connecticut and Spain.

Friends may call on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton. On Tuesday, her funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 8:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 424 Coram Ave. Shelton. Her burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America, 416 Lincoln Avenue 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 or www.Apraxia-kids.org.