Yolanda P. Torres

As the daughter of Bertha Garza Parga, a gifted singer and pianist, and Rolando Parga, a talented singer and guitarist, Yolanda grew up in a musical household that shaped her love for the arts. Though she dreamed of playing the piano, her parents could not afford one, so they bought her an accordion instead. She studied the accordion with a classical teacher for years and eventually also picked up piano, ukulele, and French horn which she played with the Thomas Jefferson Marching Band throughout high school. Yolanda also served as choir director for La Trinidad United Methodist Church for many years sharing her passion for music with others.

Yolanda knew at an early age she wanted to be a teacher. Her love of British literature and writing led her to pursue a degree in English at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) becoming the first in her family to graduate with a college degree. She later earned a Master’s in Psychology from St. Mary’s University. In 1957, she graduated with high honors from UIW and began her teaching career at the age of 21 in Edgewood ISD where she made lifelong connections with many of her students. During her teaching career, Yolanda taught English with a focus on classical literature. She also taught Journalism and sponsored the school newspaper while at Fox Tech; sponsored the yearbook when at Jefferson Davis in Houston; and sponsored the Literary Club while at Edison High School, where she landed, took root, and remained teaching until retiring in 2000.

She never told people these things, but Yolanda was an accomplished poet, fluent in Spanish and French, and studied and became an adept oil painter while working full time and raising four kids. She was an avid reader and life-long student who devoted much of her time to the study of human psychology, spirituality, metaphysics, and astrology. She loved politics and current affairs and helped her husband, former City Councilman and attorney, Pete Torres, Jr., win a historic at-large City Council race in 1967. She made history again herself when she became the first Mexican-American woman elected to the Texas State Board of Education in 1976. Along with receiving a number of accolades for her teaching excellence throughout her career, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce honored her with a Making a Mark on the World Award for her leadership and as an unsung hero in 2010. In 2014, she got inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame for her work with students in the area of creative arts.

When asked, Yolanda would say her greatest accomplishments were the many students who found their way into her classrooms, and her heart, throughout her years of teaching. First and foremost, though, she’d say she was proudest of her children and grandchildren around whom she centered her entire life up until the day she died -- Denise, Peter, Tina, Paul (Alisa Prouty Torres), Tahnee, Peter Michael, and Savannah (Curtis Fisher).

Along with her children and grandchildren, Yolanda is survived by her beloved sister, Sylvia McKay, equally beloved sisters-in-law, Dolores Juliano and Sandy Torres, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Rolando and Bertha Parga, former husband and father to her children, Pete Torres, Jr., her sister, Irma Parga, and her brother, Roland Parga.

While Yolanda’s greatest accomplishments may have been her students and children, she also had a magical and endearing gift. She had a way of seeing the light in others, and in doing so, helped others see the light in themselves. A few days before passing, she declared, “But I still have sparkle in my eyes!” and it’s with this sparkle we shall remember her always.

A memorial service is planned at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, Texas 78232 on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by a church service on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at La Trinidad United Methodist Church, 300 San Fernando St., San Antonio, Texas 78207.