Marlena Torres

Marlena M. Torres, age 44, was a loving, kind hearted, beautiful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, Godmother and friend to many others who were blessed to be part of her life. She was born and raised in Las Vegas, NM, graduated from West Las Vegas High School and after made Albuquerque, NM her home. While living in Las Vegas, she attended New Mexico Highlands University and later graduated from University of New Mexico with a Masters Degree in Education.  She worked for Albuquerque Public Schools as a teacher for over 17 years and was currently a home bound teacher.  She had a passion for teaching, she taught with her heart and she made such a big impact on the lives of the students she taught.
Marlena was extremely dedicated to her daughters, Katrina and Justina; to her godchildren, Gary and Kenidie; her family and friends and to her teaching. Teaching children with special needs was one of the most rewarding parts of her life and it brought so much joy to her heart.  Each and every one of her students knew Mrs. Marlena loved them.  Marlena never knew the meaning of the word “no.” She was always willing to help everyone and anyone who was blessed to have her in their lives. Her faith was strong and helped her overcome any challenges she was faced with throughout her life. Marlena enjoyed planning and organizing events and had such a gift for her unique creativity and imagination. She was known for her beautiful floral arrangements, her talent for interior design and she was the “go to person” when someone needed gift ideas for special occasions. Her heart was so big and had room for so many. It was so big it still had plenty of room for her dogs who she loved very much. They were also a very big part of her life.
She was preceded in death by grandparents, Roque and Agnes Sandoval, Isidro and Elvira Esquibel; Aunt Pasty Esquibel; and her little friend, Cupcake.  Marlena is survived by her husband of 25 years, Jeff Torres; her two daughters, Katrina and Justina Torres. She is also survived by her parents, Marcie Sandoval and Gilbert Pino and Isidro “Sider” Esquibel and wife Carole; two siblings, Melissa R. Esquibel and Isidro “Sider” Esquibel, III (Christine Duran); one nephew/godson Gary R. Esquibel; niece/goddaughter Kenidie A. Esquibel-Garcia;  her Aunt Nancy Esquibel; Uncle Roy Sandoval and wife Libby, Uncle Francisco Sandoval and wife Louisa; many other great aunts, uncles, cousins and mother and father in law; special friends, Crystal Hedrick, Jack Rojas, Jen McKibben, Janice Gomez, Tom Tinnin and family, and Ray Vigil and family.
A Rosary will be recited Friday, August 21, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth St., NW, where the Service of Christian Burial will follow at 9:00 a.m.  Urn Bearers will be Gary Esquibel, Sider Esquibel III, Gilbert Pino, Pat Long, Ray Vigil, and Jack Rojas.  Honorary Urn Bearers will be Roy Sandoval, Francisco Sandoval, Philbert Quintana, Jason Torres, Moises Ortiz, and Jacob Sedillo.

Marlena's care is entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services
ALAMEDA  MORTUARY
9420 Fourth St. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
505-898-3160

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