Eugenia Torrecilla

Eugenia “Mari” Torrecilla, age 76, of Converse, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020 at her home.  Eugenia was born on December 25, 1943 in Vera Cruz, Mexico to the late Rafael Torrecilla Gonzalez and Arnulfa Solano Cuevas.  Eugenia was quiet about her childhood and early adult life.  She moved to the United States in her early 30’s looking for a better life for herself.  Mari, as she was affectionately known, soon found work as the caretaker of a young boy, Joseph Colon.  To fill her time, she also took on a job at El Torrito’s Restaurant in California where she was a dedicated employee for more than 10 years.  Mari quickly became a second mother to Joseph and would take him to the restaurant to show him off to all of her coworkers and teaching him how to cook.

After her time at El Torrito’s, Mari began working in a nursing home for the remainder of her working years, all while taking caring for her beloved Joseph.  She also worked hard to obtain her citizenship in the United States.

Mari was a dedicated Catholic who attended church every Sunday and truly dedicated her life to God.  She passed time by reading the Bible and studying the scripture.  She was a true protector of children and showed a mother’s love to countless children as if they were her own.  Mari had a heart for people, giving of herself and her time to anyone in need, she could never turn her back on anyone.  Mari lived her life for God and for those around her.  Her heart, spirit and smile will be missed by countless people for generations to come.