Mrs. Isabel Aterrado Torres

July 2, 1941 – February 12, 2026

It is with great sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of our mother, Isabel Aterrado Torres on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 84. A woman of fierce loyalty, quiet strength, and profound faith, Isabel has started a brand new life in heaven alongside her Creator. She is joyfully reunited with her beloved husband of 51 years, Jaime Fatalla Torres—passing just two weeks before his heavenly birthday—as well as her parents, Nicolas Aterrado and Constancia Rosas, and her siblings, Antonia Blanza and Juan Aterrado.

Isabel’s legacy will be lovingly carried on by her six children and their partners: Mary Jane (Joel), Alvin, Jemellie, Mary Joy (Rob), Jaime (Cheri), and Michael (Cecilia). She remains the cherished Lola to her 20 grandchildren: John B, Hanna (Jeff), Isaiah, Danien, Vincent, Reyna, Faith, Kailee, Cameron, Jeremiah, Daija Rose, Isaiah Wayne, Aliyah, Stanley, James, Gordon, Dallas, Lucas, and Adelyn; and her great-grandchild, Ysabella.

From the Farm to the City

Born on July 2, 1941, in Anuling-Mendez, Cavite, Philippines, Isabel—affectionately known to friends as “Beng” or “Bibing”—was a fearless adventurer from the start. Growing up on the family farm, she explored the land and tended to animals with a spirit that refused to be deterred. She often credited her parents for teaching her the resilience and work ethic that would become her trademark. These traits eventually led her to the capital city of Manila, where she pursued a vocational education in tailoring in 1968. It was there she met a young Jaime Torres, whom she married on September 18, 1969. From 1974 to 2000, Isabel served her community as a Tailoring Instructor for adult vocational programs in several public schools across Makati City, providing a path for others to find their own livelihoods.

A Vessel of Faith

In 1986, Isabel found her true calling when she dedicated her life to the Lord when she joined Jesus Christ Our Messiah Fellowship International (JCOMFI). Her faith became the center of her purpose and a vessel of kindness for everyone she met. She worked quietly but tirelessly, introducing her community and relatives to the wonders of God’s work, eventually bringing her entire family to the same church. Her impact on the growth of the JCOMFI Church in both the Philippines, United States and Canada remains a testament to her devotion and the quality of her Christian life.

The Heart of Her Home

Isabel’s greatest investment was always her children. In 1986, when her husband Jaime moved to Canada to build a better future, Isabel remained in the Philippines as the sole anchor for their six children. Those years were defined by a quiet, heroic sacrifice. While her husband worked abroad, Isabel balanced the roles of both parents, working full-time as a teacher while ensuring her children never felt the weight of their modest means.

She often put her own needs aside, choosing to go without so that her children could have more. Her life was a lesson in resilience; she spent her precious free time leading her children in Christian outreaches, teaching them that faith was the only thing that truly mattered. When her children finally received their residency for Canada in the mid-90s, Isabel faced her hardest test: the sorrow of watching them leave while she waited behind. Yet, she stood steadfast, her heart breaking in the physical world but rejoicing in the spiritual one, knowing that her children were walking into the answered prayers she had whispered for a decade.

The Legacy of Lola

For the past 31 years, Isabel embraced her most cherished title: Lola. To her 20 grandchildren and her great-grandchild, she was more than a grandmother; she was a living bridge to their heritage and a constant source of unconditional love. Lola’s home was a sanctuary where traditional Filipino values were lived every day. Through her, a new generation learned the importance of:

● Faith as a Foundation: She taught them that prayer was not just a ritual, but a conversation with a Creator who holds the future.

● The Strength of Family: She showed them that no matter how far they wandered, the family was an unbreakable circle.

● Resilience: By sharing stories of the farm in Cavite and the lean years in Manila, she taught them to never give up.

● Generosity of Spirit: Even when she had little, she gave much. She taught the Torres grandchildren that being a vessel of goodness was the highest calling one could have.

To be in Lola’s presence was a privilege. Whether she was sharing a quiet word of wisdom or simply radiating her trademark joy and hope, she made every grandchild feel like her prized possession.

A Faithful Finish

In time, Isabel was joyfully reunited with her family in Winnipeg. Over the last five years of her life, she enjoyed a slower pace, living with her children Mary Jane, Mary Joy, and Jaime. She passed away quietly of natural causes, surrounded by the family she fought so hard to provide for.

Isabel lived a life of quiet magnitude, proving that a mother’s prayers are the most powerful force on earth. She did not just speak of her faith; she lived it every day, stitched with the same care she once taught in her tailoring classes. Having guided four generations toward the light of the Lord, she has left behind a legacy that time cannot erase.

Though we will miss the warmth of her presence and the sound of her voice in prayer, we take comfort in knowing that the seams of our family are held together by the love she so carefully crafted. She has finally put down her needle and thread to rest in the arms of her Creator, leaving us with a map to heaven and a heart full of hope. She was a good and faithful servant whose life echoed the promise of scripture:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mom, your life was the greatest sermon we ever witnessed. You have been our anchor, our teacher, and our inspiration. Your life has truly been an inspiration to us all. We love you so much, Mom.

Funeral Services

We invite all those whose lives were touched by Isabel to join us as we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Family and friends are welcome to gather, share memories, and pay their final respects to a woman who gave so much of herself to everyone she met. Your presence and prayers provide a great comfort to our family as we say goodbye to our beloved Matriarch.

Klassen Funeral Home 1897 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R2G 1P4

Memory & Song Vigil (Open to immediate and extended family only) Thursday, February 26: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Formal Viewing & Lamay (Open to all) Friday, February 27: 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm Per Isabel’s request, the open casket viewing is reserved for family only.

Funeral Service (Open to all) Saturday, February 28: 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Interment (Open to immediate and extended family only) Glen Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery 455 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2J 4J4 Saturday, February 28: 12:30 pm