Mary Torres

On Thursday, September 9, 2021, Mary Y. Torres, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away at the age of 79 after a courageous and enormous battle with Covid Pneumonia. Her last days were a testament to her strength,  faith in God, and tremendous love for her family.  She exemplified those traits throughout her lifetime.  She was born on September 25, 1941 in Wharton, Texas, and resided in Houston, Texas.  She spent many years as a master baker designing elaborate cakes for weddings and special occasions.  She also spent years teaching cake decorating, floral arrangement, and ceramic classes for the City of Houston.  In 2007, she retired, but continued to make beautiful and delicious birthday cakes for each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others she loved.

She was a God-fearing woman and the matriarch of her family.  She cherished her time with them and always went above and beyond to make them, her friends, neighbors, and all she met feel loved and special. She started a tradition of Tuesday Family Nights in 1998 and would invite her family over for dinner and quality time together.  She embraced technology and easily transitioned to Zoom family night sessions during the pandemic to remain connected. She welcomed new activities with her family , so this past June, she participated in her first virtual family book club using Zoom.  During the sessions, she shared her words of wisdom when discussing the book, “Who Moved My Cheese” and reminded us not to fear change, but welcome it as a new opportunity.  She loved to travel, so her bags were always packed and ready for a trip. She enjoyed many trips with her family during her lifetime.

She will be forever loved and remembered and is survived by her children JoAnn Ozuniga and husband George, Abel Torres, David Torres and wife Sabrena, Maryesther Bustamante and husband Carlo, and Ruth Mendez and husband Reggie.  She is also survived by her grandchildren  Johnny J. Arguijo, Daniel E. Arguijo, Michael A. Arguijo, Sarah Ozuniga, Isaiah Ozuniga, Augustine Ozuniga, Steve Torres and wife Jennifer, Aaron Prieto and wife Amanda, Christine Benoit and husband Markus, Matthew Torres, Joshua Bustamante, Reggie Mendez Jr., and Lina Mendez.  She is also survived by her siblings Juan Janis and wife Maria, Janie Mendoza and husband Raymond, George Yanis, Deviro Yanis, and Zacarias Yanis and wife Gloria.  She will be forever remembered and loved by her numerous great-grandchildren, extended family and dear friends.  She is preceded in death by her husband Daniel L. Torres, father Euestorgio  (“George”) Yanis, mother Lina Torres, daughter Selvia Rivera, grandchildren David Méndez Torres, Abel J. Arguijo, Jessica Telles, and Cindy Lynn Telles, and brothers Esavel Yanis, Procolo Yanis, Fidencio Janis, and Thomas Yanis.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM at Iglesia Bautista de Houston (“IBH”), 5102 Texas Street, Houston, TX 77011.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Viewing at 10:00 AM at IBH with the Funeral Service commencing at 11:00 AM and the burial service immediately following at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8601 Almeda Genoa Road, Houston, TX 77075.

The family requests for the safety of all, that everyone in attendance comply with the IBH Covid-19 safety requirements by wearing a mask indoors and remaining socially distant from others not in their immediate circle.  Although this is a time that naturally everyone needs a hug, we ask that you refrain from hugging the family during the services.  We will gratefully accept your presence as a warm hug to us all.

Please know that due to IBH distancing requirements space is limited, so Funeral Services we will be offered via a Facebook Livestream at 11AM on September 18, 2021.  Please go to the IBH Facebook page a few minutes before 11AM and look for the LIVE video.