Josephine Priscilla Torres

Josephine Priscilla Torres was born on August 16, 1932, in Ocate, New Mexico, to Luis Garcia or Trinidad, Colorado, and Eva Valdez of Ocate, New Mexico. She spent her early childhood in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, until the fifth grade, when her family relocated to Boncarbo, Colorado.

Josephine was one of nine children, with six brothers – Albert Garcia, Joe Garcia, Pete Garcia, Arturo Garcia, Luis Garcia, and Ernest Garcia, and two sisters, Filia Fernandez and Viola Ramirez. All have preceded her in death.

She graduated from Trinidad High School in Trinidad, Colorado, in May of 1951, proudly becoming the first person in her family to earn a high school diploma.

On September 6, 1951, Josephine joined the United States Women’s Army Corps, serving honorably until September 5, 1953, attaining the rank of Corporal. During her service, while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, she met the love of her life, Frank G. Torres. They were married on July 25, 1952, and shared 56 wonderful years of marriage until Frank’s passing on May 13, 2009.

Throughout Frank’s military career, Josephine and her family lived in Kansas, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, and Germany before retiring in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Together they loved to travel, visiting Louisiana, Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, Japan, Guam, Europe, and China.

Josephine dedicated much of her life to serving others. She was a Religious Education Teacher for most of her adult life and devoted countless hours assisting at the Adoration Chapel at Holy Family Catholic Church, and later St. Dominic Catholic Church. She also volunteered with Silver Key, Fostering Hope, and the Fountain Valley Senior Center.

While living in Hawaii, Josephine worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher. After many years of volunteering at the Fountain Valley Senior Center, she was offered a paid position, where she continued working until her retirement.

Josephine is survived by her nine children: Evita (David) Gilman, Teresa (Rickey) Klataska, Tony Torres, Elizabeth Ross, Sarah (Frank) Foster, Rebeca Rodriguez, Natalie Torres-Jenne, Danny Torres, and Sonya (Marc) Gordon; eight grandsons: David Sigala, Isaiah Downing, Kristopher Klataska, Edwin Rodriguez, Chad Jenne, Tyler Jenne, Richard Torres, and Owen Gordon; nine granddaughters: Selena Jolly, Candida Middleton, Katherine Klataska, Valene Torres, Tiffany Valdez, Brianna Martinez, Alysia Torres, Danielle Torres, and Darrian Gordon; fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Josephine passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at Palisades at the Broadmoor, where she had resided for the past four years while courageously facing dementia. She will be remembered for her deep faith, devotion to family, tireless service to her community, and the love she shared so generously with all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josephine’s memory to St. Dominic Catholic Church.