Maria Margarita Torres

Margie Torres, 76, passed away on Friday, October 15th, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born to Eduardo and Angela Ruiz in Laredo, Texas and moved to San Antonio on the day of her high school graduation. While in San Antonio, she met and fell in love with her best friend, Juan Jose "JJ" Torres Sr. whom she later married, and enjoyed a long marriage of 53 years. Together, they raised 4 children.

Margie had a passion for civic involvement, education, her faith, and her family. She spent her early life working and volunteering with various organizations to effect change and bring about better circumstances wherever she saw a need for improvement, always giving every ounce of her energy to spread love, bring hope, and share her desire to create a better tomorrow. Some of the organizations and causes which she championed and shared her energy with in her community were the Kenwood Community Center Summer Programs, Will Rogers Elementary School PTA, and Cub Scout Den #221. She was also a former Board member of Metro Alliance and Chaired its former organization, Metropolitan Congregational Alliance, and worked on various projects to effect capital improvements around the city in the form of improved drainage, streets, and housing especially in the Los Angeles Heights/Edison High School area. Also, she was part of the group of volunteers that fostered the creation of the San Antonio Education Partnership, Project Quest, and the After School Challenge Program. She worked at the Center for Health Policy Development, worked at the formerly named San Antonio Urban Council which became the San Antonio Family Endeavors Program and was part of the group that worked to found the San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries (SAMM) Homeless Shelters. Lastly, she worked at the Alamo Community Colleges District Facilities Office and the San Antonio Community College Physics, Engineering, and Architecture Department, where even there, her work helping young people continued as she used her energy to provide a safe, welcoming campus for students. In her later years, she volunteered her time with St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she was a parishioner, helped organize the Casa de Juan Food Pantry, and was a catechist in the Adult and Childrens Faith Formation Program. Her family is very proud of her commitment to always working to create a safe community and loving environment not only for her family, but her neighbors, friends, and their families as well.

Margie was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle Diebel; her parents, Eduardo and Angela Ruiz; her sister, Esther Moreida, her brothers, Eduardo Ruiz Jr., Roberto Ruiz, Lauro Ruiz. She is survived by her husband Juan Jose "JJ" Torres Sr.; her children, to whom she was a very loving, affectionate mother, Juan Jose "JJ" Torres Jr. (Karen), Eduardo "Eddie" M. Torres, Celeste Davey (Richard), Dean Diebel; Grandchildren, whom she doted on, Maggie Torres, Eddie Torres Jr. (Amanda), Sam Torres, Gabby Torres, Emily Davey, Sophia Davey, Dylan Diebel; Great-grandchild, Ellie Torres; brothers Raul Ruiz (Angie) and Armando Ruiz (Irene), in-laws Rosantina Ruiz and George Moreida, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with the rosary to follow.

ROSARY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

7PM

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

4603 ST. JOHNS WAY

MASS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021

9AM

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

4603 ST. JOHNS WAY

Fr. Isak Keyman-Ige will officiate. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.