October 21, 1942 – September 27, 2026

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. Corene Angela Torres, who passed away on September 27, 2026.

Corene was a hardworking, loving, and generous woman who was loved by many and touched countless lives throughout her lifetime. She was born on October 21, 1942, in Magdalena, New Mexico, to Julian and Lorencita (Lita) Salas-Ortega. The oldest of nine children, Corene helped care for her younger brothers and sisters from an early age, a reflection of the caring and devoted woman she would become.

On June 16, 1962, Corene married her first husband, Tony Lucero Sr. Together, they raised six beautiful children, two sons and four daughters, who were the pride and joy of her life. Throughout her life, Corene held several jobs, including working at a laundromat and cleaning offices. However, her most fulfilling career began when she joined Socorro Public Schools as a cafeteria worker. Through dedication and hard work, she went on to serve as a secretary, an educational assistant, and ultimately, a school librarian and classroom teacher. Corene devoted 40 years of her life to education and to helping the children of her community learn, grow, and succeed. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impression on generations of students.

In addition to being a full-time mother and a full-time librarian, Corene was also a part-time college student who refused to give up on her dream of earning a bachelor's degree in education. She attended classes during the summers, studied in the evenings, and used every spare moment she could find while raising six children and helping care for her parents and siblings. Her determination and perseverance inspired her family and made them immensely proud when, at the age of 58, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Santa Fe in May 2000. Corene proved that it is never too late to pursue a dream and that hard work and determination can make even the most challenging goals possible.

Her life was a testament to the power of love, family, education, and perseverance. She gave so much of herself to those around her, always finding ways to care for her family while serving the children and families of her community. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the family she loved so dearly.

Corene was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Lorencita (Lita) Ortega; her sisters, Zenaida Ortega and Maria Magdalena Baca; her first husband, Tony Lucero Sr.; her second husband, Frank Torres Jr.; and her sons-in-law, Pete Torres Sr. and Wayne Denton.

She is survived by her six children: Tony Lucero Jr. (Cathy), Leonard Lucero (Robin), Bella Torres, Sinfea Allala (Mark), Noleen Denton, and Angel Lance (Diego Sr.); four stepchildren, Joseph Torres (Merlinda), Arlene Rosas, Darlene Wilkinson, and Kenny Torres; and her brothers and sisters, Ray Ortega (Diana), Rudy Ortega (Sylvia), Julian Ortega (Evey), Laura Flores (Anastacio), Maryline Rivera, Lorenzo Ortega (Tommy), and Greg Ortega. She also leaves behind 29 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her love and the legacy she built throughout her life.

Corene will be remembered for her loving heart, her unwavering dedication to her family, her commitment to education, and her determination to accomplish her dreams. Though her passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of those who loved her, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain forever.

Funeral services will be held on October 20, 2026, at San Miguel Mission. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow, with a reception afterward at the Socorro Convention Center.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.