Maria Vicenta Garcia Torres

December 11, 1929 ~ September 23, 2020

Maria Vicenta Garcia Torres passed away on September 23, 2020 after many years of health issues, not of COVID. She was born in Monticello on December 11, 1929 and married Jose O. Torres on September 26, 1945. They had nine children.

Vicenta worked at the San Juan County Hospital for 30 years alongside her sisters Magdelana Manzanares and Telesfora Chacon, doing what she did best – caring for other people.

Many people came to know her as “Aunt Bessie,” and with the support of so many, she completed her GED to graduate from high school, raise a family, and work full time.

Vicenta was known for her goodness and kindness. She made countless blankets, painted pictures, and made porcelain dolls, all of which she gave away to those she loved.

Many blankets were returned years later worn out from use, having provided warmth and comfort, with the request “Grandma, can you patch my quilt?”

She patched each of them with love and scraps from her many sewing projects.

Not being content to raise her own nine children, she opened her doors to many others who came to live with her family. Sometimes she provided a safe haven, but she always provided food and unconditional acceptance and love.

From a tribute on her 80th birthday, “You showed me how to love and serve. You personify charity. You showed me daily how to give half of a beggar’s portion without thought for your own welfare.”

She was quiet with spiritual presence of mind to find those in need and to serve them and embrace them for who they were – not trying to fix them, merely trying to love them.

She taught by word and deed unconditional love, patience, faith, and kindness – all of which the world needs now more than ever.

Vicenta is preceded in death by her husband Jose Torres, son Nick Torres; and recently by her sister, Telesfora Chacon.

She is survived by children Joey (Diane), Barbara, Rita, Callie, Donnie, Nick’s wife Janeen Torres, Matilda, Gary (Dee), and Anthony (Dawn). She has 29 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and four great- great-grandchildren.

We will celebrate the life of Maria Vicenta Garcia Torres on Saturday, October 3 in Monticello. Services will be held at the Monticello LDS Stake Center at 165 South Main Street.

A viewing begins at 11 a.m. with funeral following at noon. There will be a lunch for family and friends at the Stake Center pavilion at 1:30 p.m.

To be mindful of health concerns, participate to whatever degree you feel comfortable. There is adequate space for proper social distancing during outdoor events. Masks are encouraged and hand sanitizer will be provided.