Category: Eulogies

Mary “Lisa” Elizabeth

I want to start off by saying Thank you all for taking time to read this. I pray for this eulogy to be helpful in a way of understanding and acceptance.  This may be a form to pay your last respect or for closure, so long as you are here with good intentions and genuine love for our dearly departed.

There are many who may not have realized who Lisa was, what she lived and the lesson she taught us the day she left us. We can all agree that Mary “Lisa” was not who we once knew. It is no secret that Lisa was not in the greatest place in her life or health. There are many of us who have known Lisa our entire lives and those who knew Lisa since she was born.

On June 17, 1968, Mary Elizabeth Torres was born here in San Antonio. Baby sister to Daniel and Nicky Torres. Only daughter to Oralia and Daniel Torres. The family was together for less than a year after she was born. Sadly, Oralia was called home leaving Lisa to be raised by her grandparents Janie and Fred Vasquez. still having her big brothers and father in her life. Only God and my sister knew all she lived throughout her 52 years. I can only speak on the times I spent with my big sister just like everyone who knew her.

Some memories that a few of us remember are:

*I will always cherish the memories with our family hanging out at Landa Park and backyard barbecues and birthday party’s with our kids.  Thanks Lisa  (sam)

* I just know she is such a loving and caring person, I miss her. She taught me so much when I was a teenager. What I learned; I cannot say she taught me LOL!  (anonymous cousin)

*We were best friend’s I love her very much she was a strong woman. But did not believe she was strong enough to get better. Your sister was a beautiful woman I love her dearly and so did a lot of other people. I never saw her different, she was my friend and everyone struggles. She told me what she wanted in life but was getting more sick. I will miss her very much      (Kimberly)

*Mary was one of the first individuals I met when I moved out to San Antonio. I will remember how she took time to look out for me when I was ill and unable to walk. she  went out of her way to get me to a place that could help. In many ways she saved my life. I am blessed to have met Mary. There was a time I saw her so carefree and happy, almost a childlike innocence, was when Mary was playing with her puppies who were here babies and companions. Mary confided in me as I did in her. One thing that she shared with me is that there were some things she regretted. Which was how everything turned out with her children. Things that were said and done that cause hurt and damaged their relationships. I will always remember her kind heart.  (Ann)

*Everybody makes bad decisions in life everyone strays from the norm during their lives. I knew and remember Lisa at her best and I will always hold her in my memory and heart that way  (Tom)

*I’m still in shock I’ve been thinking a lot about her, especially the days when I would spend the weekend with grandpa and gramma. She used to take me to the mall when I was a kid we would spend  the whole day there and then go back and watch MTV when they used to play music videos. Gilbert

Thank you to those who share with us.

I’d like to share something I noticed about Lisa as the years went by. Something I hadn’t realized she always did until the end of her journey. Lisa always looked her best. I have many memories of my sister. One I remember was a time I was with my brothers Nicky & David. Lisa and their cousin Raymond were also with us. Nicky took us to the carnival during fiesta, in downtown San Antonio.  We had so much fun getting on rides and playing games to win those little mirrors, with some rock bands name on it. What stands out for me when thinking about this time, was stopping to pick up my sister where she lived, on La Gloria Street. Her room was that of a teenager. Posters on the wall. Music playing while she finished getting ready. I sat on her bed while she moussed her long curly hair that was red almost purple. Walking around washing a few dishes and putting make-up on before we left.

Fast forward to 10 years or so. Lisa now married and a mom. My memories of her morning routine getting ready for work is something I have never forgotten. Rolling her hair while getting her babies ready for school and putting her make up on eventually walking out as she slipped her heels on. For a 12-year-old girl it was amazing to witness my big sister as she went from mom and wife to business working woman. As little sisters can sometimes be, I would anxiously wait for her to get home at a time we lived in the same apartment complex. Although she at times looked tired from the day, Lisa would make dinner and care for my nephew Randal. I am happy to have been a part of her life. I was there when Lisa & my brother-in-law had their second son, my nephew and godson Patrick and shortly after their 3rd child and only baby girl Desirae. I witnessed this beautiful woman express & receive love that I carry with me always and more so now. I looked up to my sister and always will. I knew my sister for who she was before her illness with cancer. As I witnessed my sister at her best, I also witnessed her as she struggled and fought for her life for many years in many ways.

Not so long ago I was looking for my sister it was right around Christmas & New Year’s. I had not heard from her nor had I seen her on social media. Although we were not seeing each other frequently we would talk and message on Facebook. Lisa finally joined the world of the internet. she was weighing heavily on my mind, and we noticed she had not responded to our chats in a while. I started asking around for her after finally getting a hold of her, she and I had a conversation that I am so grateful for. As she went all big sister on me for making a big deal about it, all I could say was I was not sorry for doing all I did to find her. That I’d rather have her here and tell me all she needed to than not have her here at all. I saw my sister a couple of times after that conversation. Looking tired and older than I remember she still managed to smile and had her hair combed and make up on. Lisa, still looking her best.

I wanted her to get in my car and allow me to take care of her. I know our brothers felt the same as we all requested Lisa to come stay with us for a while. But she would not be a burden to anyone was what she thought. Again, in May we noticed that Lisa had not responded to messages and calls. Not sure if I was going get the big sister talk again, I waited for a call back. Only, the call our family received was not from my sister.

Mary Elizabeth Torres Soto passed on May 22nd 2021 of natural causes due to, was pronounced deceased on May 24th, 2021. The harsh reality is that she was not physically surrounded by those who love her the most like most of us would have preferred. But I believe that her exit from this life on to her next chapter was orchestrated is such a way that we may learn to appreciate one another as who we are and not who we are expected to be. May we all have peace in our hearts knowing that there was nothing any of us could have done to help how and when Lisa departed. I honestly believe Lisa knows this as well. Although we imagine that she was alone, it was her road that only she was to walk without anyone else, only she was never alone, Our Divine father and protector was and has always been with Lisa.

Personal Acknowledgments & Condolences

In preparing the final arrangements for my sister Lisa it became harder than I thought it would be to get through. So I would like to take this time to end with extending my condolences to Lisa’s extended family & friends. To the rest of our Torres Family & to The Vasquez Family.  Although I am not “blood related”, those I’ve had the pleasure of meeting have always been kind and welcoming towards me. I am grateful and appreciate all who cared and loved Lisa.

Thank you for your time and interest in reading . If there is anyone that would like to share a memory or words for the family, please feel free to do so in the comments section

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    Mary “Lisa” Elizabeth

    I want to start off by saying Thank you all for taking time to read this. I pray for this eulogy to be helpful in a way of understanding and acceptance.  This may be a form to pay your last respect or for closure, so long as you are here with good intentions and genuine love for our dearly departed.

    There are many who may not have realized who Lisa was, what she lived and the lesson she taught us the day she left us. We can all agree that Mary “Lisa” was not who we once knew. It is no secret that Lisa was not in the greatest place in her life or health. There are many of us who have known Lisa our entire lives and those who knew Lisa since she was born.

    On June 17, 1968, Mary Elizabeth Torres was born here in San Antonio. Baby sister to Daniel and Nicky Torres. Only daughter to Oralia and Daniel Torres. The family was together for less than a year after she was born. Sadly, Oralia was called home leaving Lisa to be raised by her grandparents Janie and Fred Vasquez. still having her big brothers and father in her life. Only God and my sister knew all she lived throughout her 52 years. I can only speak on the times I spent with my big sister just like everyone who knew her.

    Some memories that a few of us remember are:

    *I will always cherish the memories with our family hanging out at Landa Park and backyard barbecues and birthday party’s with our kids.  Thank Lisa  (sam)

    * I just know she is such a loving and caring person, I miss her. She taught me so much when I was a teenager. What I learned; I cannot say she taught me LOL!  (anonymous cousin)

    *We were best friend’s I love her very much she was a strong woman. But did not believe she was strong enough to get better. Your sister was a beautiful woman I love her dearly and so did a lot of other people. I never saw her different, she was my friend and everyone struggles. She told me what she wanted in life but was getting more sick. I will miss her very much      (Kimberly)

    *Mary was one of the first individuals I met when I moved out to San Antonio. I will remember how she took time to look out for me when I was ill and unable to walk. she  went out of her way to get me to a place that could help. In many ways she saved my life. I am blessed to have met Mary. There was a time I saw her so carefree and happy, almost a childlike innocence, was when Mary was playing with her puppies who were here babies and companions. Mary confided in me as I did in her. One thing that she shared with me is that there were some things she regretted. Which was how everything turned out with her children. Things that were said and done that cause hurt and damaged their relationships. I will always remember her kind heart.  (Ann)

    *Everybody makes bad decisions in life everyone strays from the norm during their lives. I knew and remember Lisa at her best and I will always hold her in my memory and heart that way  (Tom)

    *I’m still in shock I’ve been thinking alot about her, especially the days when I would spend the weekend with grandpa amd gramma.She used to take me to the mall when I was a kid we would spend  the whole day there and then go back and watch MTV when they used to play music videos. Gilbert (Gibby)

    Thank you to those who share with us.

    I’d like to share something I noticed about Lisa as the years went by. Something I hadn’t realized she always did until the end of her journey. Lisa always looked her best. I have many memories of my sister. One I remember was a time I was with my brothers Nicky & David. Lisa and their cousin Raymond were also with us. Nicky took us to the carnival during fiesta, in downtown San Antonio.  We had so much fun getting on rides and playing games to win those little mirrors, with some rock bands name on it. What stands out for me when thinking about this time, was stopping to pick up my sister where she lived, on La Gloria Street. Her room was that of a teenager. Posters on the wall. Music playing while she finished getting ready. I sat on her bed while she moussed her long curly hair that was red almost purple. Walking around washing a few dishes and putting make-up on before we left.

    Fast forward to 10 years or so. Lisa now married and a mom. My memories of her morning routine getting ready for work is something I have never forgotten. Rolling her hair while getting her babies ready for school and putting her make up on eventually walking out as she slipped her heels on. For a 12-year-old girl it was amazing to witness my big sister as she went from mom and wife to business working woman. As little sisters can sometimes be, I would anxiously wait for her to get home at a time we lived in the same apartment complex. Although she at times looked tired from the day, Lisa would make dinner and care for my nephew Randal. I am happy to have been a part of her life. I was there when Lisa & my brother-in-law had their second son, my nephew and godson Patrick and shortly after their 3rd child and only baby girl Desirae. I witnessed this beautiful woman express & receive love that I carry with me always and more so now. I looked up to my sister and always will. I knew my sister for who she was before her illness with cancer. As I witnessed my sister at her best, I also witnessed her as she struggled and fought for her life for many years in many ways.

    Not so long ago I was looking for my sister it was right around Christmas & New Year’s. I had not heard from her nor had I seen her on social media. Although we were not seeing each other frequently we would talk and message on Facebook. Lisa finally joined the world of the internet. she was weighing heavily on my mind, and we noticed she had not responded to our chats in a while. I started asking around for her after finally getting a hold of her, she and I had a conversation that I am so grateful for. As she went all big sister on me for making a big deal about it, all I could say was I was not sorry for doing all I did to find her. That I’d rather have her here and tell me all she needed to than not have her here at all. I saw my sister a couple of times after that conversation. Looking tired and older than I remember she still managed to smile and had her hair combed and make up on. Lisa, still looking her best.

    I wanted her to get in my car and allow me to take care of her. I know our brothers felt the same as we all requested Lisa to come stay with us for a while. But she would not be a burden to anyone was what she thought. Again, in May we noticed that Lisa had not responded to messages and calls. Not sure if I was going get the big sister talk again, I waited for a call back. Only, the call our family received was not from my sister.

    Mary Elizabeth Torres Soto passed on May 22nd 2021 of natural causes due to, was pronounced deceased on May 24th, 2021. The harsh reality is that she was not physically surrounded by those who love her the most like most of us would have preferred. But I believe that her exit from this life on to her next chapter was orchestrated is such a way that we may learn to appreciate one another as who we are and not who we are expected to be. May we all have peace in our hearts knowing that there was nothing any of us could have done to help how and when Lisa departed. I honestly believe Lisa knows this as well. Although we imagine that she was alone, it was her road that only she was to walk without anyone else, only she was never alone, Our Divine father and protector was and has always been with Lisa.

    Personal Acknowledgments & Condolences

    In preparing the final arrangements for my sister Lisa it became harder than I thought it would be to get through. So I would like to take this time to end with extending my condolences to Lisa’s extended family & friends. To the rest of our Torres Family & to The Vasquez Family.  Although I am not “blood related”, those I’ve had the pleasure of meeting have always been kind and welcoming towards me. I am grateful and appreciate all who cared and loved Lisa.

    Thank you for your time and interest in reading . If there is anyone that would like to share a memory or words for the family, please feel free to do so in the comments section

    , , , , , ,

      something to remind us all

      Lisa, Recently heard this feeling its what I thought our family would play when I’m gone. But it turns out I’m playing it for you. Rest in paradise my beautiful angel. The road was long I know, I know your path was not easy. But you walked it and survived. The cruel world has no shame or those who judged but we will all answer for the mistakes we make. Those who cared enough… know you finally left this place… your in a better place. I prayed for you, for the forgiveness of sins and mercy on your soul. I believe that it is done and you are once again with all your loved ones where there is no hate no anger, jealousy or gossip. Just pure genuine love. I will be there at some point with you. Until then I will be here to carry on walking my path with our family and friends our babies as best as I can. Karen

      This is very difficult .

      Mary Elizabeth Soto (Lisa)

      Life of a beloved, inspirational soul and uncle

      As the next of kin and guardian of the late Pedro (Pete) Martinez and veteran. I decided to jot down a few words in preparing the inscription for his gravestone which turned into a eulogy and eventually resulting in this blog. Beginning with what I wanted others to know about who he was leading to what I would tell him if he were with me still. As I have spoken on behalf of others who have passed on. Helping with creating a few eulogies for others. This is especially meaningful to me as the Veteran whom I wrote about was my uncle. Please feel free to email or leave a comment or feedback. Helpful thoughts and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

      Pedro Hernandez Martinez (pete) was a very simple and humble man. Pete was a compassionate wise and knowledgeable soul. Honest and hardworking, a Jack of all trades. There wasn’t a job he was too proud to do. Always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Especially those who unselfishly helped him when he or his family was in need. He made sure to always help “as long as I can I’ll always help” is what he would say. Whether it was a taco or a dollar, even shoes and saw someone else in need he would happily give it. 

      Throughout his life Pete carried all the love, happiness & guidance from the memories of his parents, children, family and friends . A man who served in Vietnam he experienced things that stayed within his soul. Memories that he shared with very few. Memories that haunted him even towards the end of his life journey. 

      Pete had lost many loved ones throughout his life. His parents, son, numerous family members his younger brother my dad Joe on March 16, 2011.Before my dad passed he asked Pete to look out for my family and me. My uncle Pete agreed to honor his younger brother’s last wish. It was something he wanted to do not only because it was requested of him, also because we have always had a close and loving bond, my uncle and I. In 2011 my uncles wishes were that when the time came I would care for him. I vowed to honor his request as he agreed to and fulfilled the request of his brother. 

      My family and I have so many fond memories of my uncle Pete. Years ago my husband Sam and Pete would spend nights after a weekend barbecue talking and laughing while drinking a few cold ones. “Onta la veronga!?” Was how they greeted each other. Even when Pete no longer drank alcohol. After having his first heart attack which resulted in a double bypass, “where’s the beer at?” was still their greeting. Always an important and supportive person in my life he drove me to the hospital when it was time to deliver my son Cedric and was always at the kid’s birthday parties. These are just a few memories created. 

      October of 2018 Pete suffered a stroke resulting in memory loss later confirmed as vascular dementia. When it was time for me to care for my uncle, my adult children who had moved out came back to help with caring for him. Our close family friends Dora with her son also came to help and spend time with him. My cousin Leslie who is not related to him only knowing of each other instantly became friends. Even though his dementia had progressed he remembered her and was ok with her calling him “Peter”. Lifelong memories were created for each of us as our bond strengthen more than I could have ever imagined. There was happiness there was sadness, confusion even frustration. There are a couple moments that he yelled at me in anger (After 40 years never had he yelled at me).

      Tio Pete’s memorable phrases have become apart of our daily conversations, even the ones with his choice of words. His voice calling our names”Sam” ,”Cedric”, “Layla”,” Julius”, “Julian”,”Angelina” & “Karen” can still be heard in our minds. “We can go anywhere you want to go, you want to go to Tink a Taco or Jacalas” We laugh every time we remember this because although I was given the option of “anywhere ” there were only two choices to pick from. Which were his favorite restaurants to eat at. 

      My most treasured memory of my uncle Pete is the evening he was transported to a VITAS facility. Not knowing that it would be the last time we would both verbally communicate with each other. He said his goodbye to Sam and myself. Earlier in the day Sam was comforting our uncle praying with him assuring him that everything was ok and he was safe. Pete turned to him and asked “will you remember me?”. Sam replied yes of course he will always remember him, that he was grateful to our uncle for all he was and did for us over the years. That night we sat together in his room talking about what he was doing and how the kids were. Caught off guard when in Spanish he told me “te voy echar menos” (I’m  going to miss you). Looking at him smiling was the only reply I could give without breaking down. He continued.. “deberías te voy echar mucho menos mija” (really, I’m really going to miss you mija). Finally I responded that I wanted to care for him that it was him and I taking care of each other. How much I love and appreciate him being apart of my life and caring for me as he always did. For Being my Tio Pete. As he was leaving my uncle Pete waved me goodbye and blew me a kiss. This was the last time I was to hear his voice and see him physically awake. 

      The following days  my oldest son Julian was at uncle Pete’s bedside day and night, playing music for him letting him know he wasn’t alone. Leslie also spent a couple of nights there at the facility. Both assured that Pete (Peter) was being taken care of. Pete was slipping away his body was shutting down yet, still holding on. Praying and asking what was he waiting for who was he waiting for? I remembered my uncle had been asking for Dora over the past week. Saturday, June 16,2019 Dora walked in and announced herself he showed signs of acknowledging her presence. She sat with him for a while saying her goodbye. Not long after everyone was out of the room and I was distracted in a conversation with Leslie, Pedro Hernandez Martinez Peacefully slipped away to his paradise with our Lord and past loved ones. 

      Thank you for your service may you rest in eternal peace

      “You can go anywhere”

      ANGEL’S, being seen and heard by young children and the departing

      numerous books and articles have been published on the topic of angels being seen or heard. Do angels exist at all? In most conversations the subject of infants to toddlers and those who are in their final stages of life show signs or have verbally confirmed that that see angels.
      As a young girl approximately 3 years old. I was seen conversating with who described as my late grandfather who had recently passed. I no memory of this time. At 4 or 5 years old I vaguely remember thinking I saw him outside our living room window. After this I’ve yet to see the spirit of my grandfather while awake. During the span of my life so far I’ve witnessed a few experiences that some may consider as miracles or Divine healing. Sceptics will continue to look for a logical explanations.

      https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/angels/2008/06/do-children-always-see-angels.aspx
      Its mentions a verse from the bible : Jesus taught that angels are always present with children (Matthew 18:10). Most of the time angels are unseen and children are unaware of their ministry. While many children do share that an angel has been with them, the majority of children do not. It is interesting to note that children who do have angel experiences think it is normal to have one, and they take it for granted that it happens to every child. 

      The verse in Matthew 18:10 (KJV) Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

      Those who are Ill and in their final stages of life are also known to have experienced seeing and hearing angels or the spirits of passed loved ones.
      I having witnessed this a few times in my life. It’s all so amazing and heartbreaking. It’s left me with such curiosity as to what does it feel like when witnessing these spiritual beings of light. Is it as peaceful as described? Is really possible to connect with those who we’ve missed for so long. I’d like to believe so

      Harris writes that she has seen many patients grow confident after experiencing deathbed visions of angels: “… they take that final step into the eternity that God has promised them since the beginning of time, totally unafraid and at peace.”
      Patients often die soon after they see angels on their deathbeds, Guiley writes in The Encyclopedia of Angels, summarizing the results of several large research studies on such visions: “The visions usually appear just minutes before death: Approximately 76 percent of the patients studied died within 10 minutes of their vision, and nearly all of the rest died within one or several hours.”
      In 2016 a survey conducted showed that 89% of Americans believe in angels. The other 11% are nonbelievers.
      Hopler, Whitney.”Deathbed Visions of Angels.” Learn Religions, Apr. 17, 2019, learnreligions.com/deathbed-visions-of-angels-123844

      I believe it is possible there angels being seen and heard by young children and by the departing. I believe in angels guiding us through our spiritual and physical journey. I see it as a positive when someone takes comfort in believing in angels resulting in living a more successful and peaceful life. I feel its possible they are communicating with us as children to assist in the transition from spirit to human form. And as we are departing from our human form our angels are there to welcome us back from our souls journey. Until our next ascension…?