Maria Oralia Torres of Sanger, California

August 3, 1938 – February 18, 2023

Maria Oralia (Fuentes) Torres was the eldest of eight children, born to Crescencio and Gelacia Fuentes in Weslaco, Texas. She is survived by three children and four grandchildren: Peter Torres of San Jose with Ryan; Arnold Torres of Sanger, and Laurie and Martin Woelk of Wiehl, Germany with Tristan, Christina, and Richard. She also leaves behind two sisters and three brothers: Odulia Tejada and Ofelia Howerton, both of Clovis; Joe Fuentes of Weslaco, Texas; Crescencio Fuentes, Jr of Reno, Nevada; and Manuel Fuentes of Del Rey. She also had nephews and nieces that she treasured dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Torres; her parents; an infant sister and her brother Gustavo Fuentes.

She graduated from Weslaco High School in 1957 and moved to Sanger in the early 60's with her parents. Here she met her future husband Pete working in the fields. She married Pete on March 13 ^th, 1964, and Peter was born later that year. Next came Arnold and then Laurie. The family moved to Kerman from 1970 to 1973. Pete and Maria eventually bought land in rural Sanger where they built a home that would remain Maria's home for the rest of her life.

Pete suffered a heart attack and died in 1977. Maria was now a widow with three children to support. Her parents moved in with her and her children to help, and then the following year her health began to decline. She ended up in intensive care for 60 days. She had clinically died for three minutes and during this time she claimed to have bargained with God for five more years of life in order to watch her eldest son graduate from high school. She believed that he would then take care of his siblings. Her release and recovery was considered a miracle, but it resulted in permanent damage to her lungs. She went on to get her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Fresno State University in 1985.

Her biggest love was her family, as she did all she could to support her children and their education, as it was her way to enable them to build their lives and follow their dreams.  Although she didn't have much money, she instilled in them a work ethic and resourcefulness to find a way to get it done.

She enjoyed Tejano music (which could be heard on the radio every Saturday morning) while enjoying pan dulce and fresh coffee. She enjoyed visitors, especially her sisters and close friends. They will always be special to her and the family.

She is missed very much, and we are grateful for the time that we had with her.  She is now with her best friend (her mother) along with all her pets that preceded her. We look forward to seeing them again, when the Lord wills it.

Torres family

Services:

Graveside Seevice:

Monday, March 13, 2023 10:00 AM

Sanger Cemetery