Isabelle Torrez

Isabelle G. Torrez born July 3, 1923 found peace on her life- long journey on February 10, 2019.  She was born in La Jara, New Mexico to Reyes and Eutimia Gurule.  She was one of eleven children that they had.  She is survived by her children, Ernest R. Torrez of La Jara, New Mexico, Marleen Parker of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Ron Torrez and his wife, Maryann Torrez of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She had three grandchildren, Derrick Romero, Lynette Hill and her husband Jeff and Daniel Torrez as well as three great-grandchildren, Hunter and the twins, Logan and Camden .  She is preceded in death by her parents mentioned above, her husband, Ernest and her siblings, Marcia Gurule, Lucy Martinez, Golla Archuleta, Teresa Velarde, Aparcio Gurule,  Mere Gurule, Bobby Gurule, and Steve Gurule.   

She grew up in a ranching family in La Jara, New Mexico.  With the onset of WWII, her brothers were called to serve their country so Isabelle learned to ride, rope, ranch and farm in order to help her father run the ranch.  She was also very artistic in high school and was offered a scholarship to a college of fine arts but her father did not allow her to go, believing that a woman could not earn a living as an artist. 

After graduating high school in Cuba, New Mexico, she moved to Albuquerque and attended Business College earning an associates degree in office management.  Eventually, she was employed at Kirtland, AFB where she earned a security clearance and worked in support of the war effort.  She had many colorful stories of the GI’s she processed through her office as they were heading off to fight the war.  Later while working in the VA hospital, she was lucky enough to meet her future husband, Ernie, who had served his time in the army and was recuperating in the hospital. 

Isabelle was not a shy person and enjoyed sewing, spending time with her grand children and great grand children.  She was also an excellent cook and had a knack for creating a meal from whatever she could find for guests who had dropped in unannounced.  She was always happy to feed who ever stopped by to visit and she made the absolute best tortillas in the city.  Ask anyone who ate them.  She will be missed by all of her family and friends.  We all hope to see you again on the other side.