Elida S. Torres

Elida Sandoval Torres was born on November 18, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas and entered into eternal life on May 26, 2024, at the age of 92 years old. She is preceded in death by her parents, Juan Reyes Sandoval, and Josefa Burrola Sandoval; her husband, Jesse Zapata Torres; and ten siblings, of which she was the youngest. She is survived by her daughters, Maria de Jesus Torres, Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl, and Clara Zamora; son-in-law (whom she called her son) Paul Stahl; four grandchildren, Mark Anthony Zamora, Claudia Zamora Santos, Darian Alexander Stahl, and Mia Anastasia Stahl; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Elida, also called Ms. Ellie by many, was a storyteller, joke teller, truth teller and keeper of our ancestors’ wisdom. She worked hard in this life as a nanny for several families for a number of years, and then as a custodian and finally as a substitute teacher at several schools for SAISD for a combined 25 years, after obtaining her GED at the age of 56. She was greatly loved by the many students whose lives she touched. Her great affection for children led her daily generosity of providing lunch money to children who did not have it, sometimes making them homemade lunches, caring for those who were ill at times, and often caring for those with special needs whom others could not manage. She spent countless hours in her beautiful abundant garden filled with fruit trees, roses, and every type of plant and herb she could get her hands on. Watering her plants at the end of the day was her meditation and solace for life’s challenges. Despite the challenges, and at times working two and three jobs at a time, she always provided as a single parent for her daughters and later in life helped care for her grandchildren. Her greatest joy was sharing and teaching her many talents of delicious cooking, crocheting, embroidering, gardening, sewing, and praising God. It seemed there was nothing she couldn’t do. She was meticulous in her person and home. Elida was pure magic in the eyes of her family and friends!

She was a faithful servant to our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for someone, lighting candles, and providing for those in need. Elida was a proud Guadalupana at St. Stephen’s Church.

Despite many health challenges throughout the years, and Alzheimer’s in her final years, she outlived all of her siblings by 17 years and many nieces and nephews, showing her strength, courage, and unmatched devotion to her family.

She never met a stranger, always enjoying talking with people and sharing her cooking and love of life, laughter, music, and plants. A friend lovingly dubbed her “Bright Eyes” because her eyes lit up when talking to people and her smile could melt your heart.

The family is grateful to Heart of Texas Hospice and Dr. Angelica Davila for their kindness and care. Our beloved mother was able to spend her final days in her daughter’s home. Wherein Elida was surrounded by her two daughters, Maria de Jesus and Catherine, her son-in-law Paul, and grandchildren, Mia, Darian, and Mark.

We are grateful for her love and care and return her to our dear Lord and her parents, Juan and Josefa, who she dearly missed, for her eternal rest. May the Lord’s perpetual light shine upon her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Or simply plant a tree or plant in your garden and say a prayer for our loved one. We’re pretty sure her magic will reach your garden.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARYTHURSDAY, JUNE 13, 20246:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE

PROCESSIONFRIDAY, JUNE 14, 20249:30 A.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY

MASSFRIDAY, JUNE 14, 202410:00 A.M.SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL115 MAIN PLAZA

Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery II.