Lt Col (Ret) Ida Jean Torquati

Lt Col (Ret) Ida Jean Torquati, USAF Nurse Corp, age 96, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, passed away on October 3, 2023. Ida was born on August 19, 1927, in Youngstown, Ohio. She graduated from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing and was head nurse at the time she entered the United States Air Force in 1956. During her 20 years of military service, she served in a variety of positions that included clinical, outpatient and administrative and several Chief Nurse positions. Ida’s service was at a fast tempo serving in 12 different assignments that included: FE Warren AFB, WY; Ladd AFB, AK; Vance AFB, OK; Lajes AB, Azores; Dover AFB, DL; Clark AFB, Philippines; Maxwell AFB,AL; Sheppard AFB, TX; Cam Ranh Bay, AB, Vietnam (to which she volunteered); Tyndall AFB, FL; Zweibrucken, AB, Germany and retiring as Chief Nurse from K.I. Sawyer, AFB, MI.

Ida was preceded in death by her father John Torquati, mother Silvia Torquati, sister Josephine Richter, brother Salvatore Torquati, and her beloved friend, Lt Col (Ret) Jerrie Hall. She is survived by her loving family of nieces and nephews: Sylvia (Keith) Williams, Roben (Mike) Volosin, Becky (Bob) Bennett, Janice (Ray) Bermea, Bill (Lori) Richter, John (Cindy) Torquati, 13 great nieces and nephews, and 13 great-great nieces and nephews.

Ida was a no-nonsense kind of person whose professionalism ensured wonderful care for those she either cared for directly or indirectly which enabled that the medical/nursing infrastructure was there to provide quality patient care. Ida certainly made an impression – not only on those she served with as well as those she served. One significant example was many years after she served at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, while visiting in Durango, CO a gentleman approached her and asked: “Are you Ida Torquati?” She said yes though did not recognize him. He replied, ‘You saved my life in Vietnam, I will never forget your face.” What a tribute and just one example of the impact on the lives of those Ida touched and cared for.

It was indeed a family affair and holiday anytime Ida returned home on leave. Her family was always thrilled with the gifts she brought from all over the world. They also loved seeing her in her uniform. Where’s the candy? Ida loved sweets. Her candy drawer and cookie cabinet were always well stocked. In fact, during her years at Sunrise Memory Care, when visiting, you would get a “pat down” checking out where the candy was that she knew you would have for her.

Ida, a true Italian, loved good food and family to include her several schnauzers. And though not from NYC, on occasion she would like a good Manhattan. When visiting her during her aging years and especially when in Sunrise Memory Care, she always had a twinkle in her eye, blowing kisses and singing, “I’m in Heaven, I’m in Heaven.” Her favorite expression was, “And the beat goes on.” Now that “beat” is a “heartbeat” with her memory in our hearts. A special THANK YOU to Ida’s caregivers and dear friends at University Park Sunrise Memory Care Unit for their love, compassion, and caring throughout her time there.

She was a lifetime member of the Military Officers Association of America, member of the Society of Air Force Nurses, and member of the Colorado Chapter of RVing Women. Memorial Services will be held St Patrick Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Dr, on December 5, 2023 at 9:30AM, preceded by “The Nightingale Tribute” at 0915. A celebration of life luncheon will be held before interment at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. I am sure her final sentiment was: “Fino a Quando Ci Incontriamo di Nuova” (until we meet again). In lieu of flowers please donate on behalf of Ida J. Torquati to the Society of Air Force Nurses, www.safn.org