Jeanette Torres

Jeanette Torres was born on August 6, 1948 to James and Mary Gherardi. A lifelong resident of Albuquerque, Jeanette grew up on a farm in the South Valley. She attended Rio Grande High School and was a member of the RGHS Class of 1966. A lifelong learner, Jeanette worked as a dental assistant, substitute teacher, teaching assistant and IT teacher. She retired from Ernie Pyle Middle School in 2013. She was married to John Torres from 1970-2006 and that is when Jeanette’s most important and most influential position in life was established, that of a mother. She is survived by her three children: Michelle Engstrom and her spouse David, Ryan Torres and his spouse Valerie, and Jason Torres as well six grandchildren: Riley Engstrom, Miles Engstrom, Joshua Engstrom, Nicole Torres, Caitlyn Torres, and Tristan Torres as well as several nieces and nephews. Jeanette’s favorite place to be was on her family farm which she still helped maintain along with her three siblings, Kathryn Esquibel, Robert Gherardi, and Rosemary Scott. She could often be found driving the tractor and getting fields ready for planting, raking, and bailing hay, as well as tossing 70-pound bales onto the wagon to take them into the barn. In recent years, she enjoyed spoiling the racehorses that lived on the farm and taking care of her sheep, Jack. At home, Jeanette doted on Boomer, her mini-Australian Shepherd who could always be found next to her. A lifelong football fan, she could be found decked out in Green Bay Packers gear on gameday and even created a family Fantasy Football league that she enjoyed with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Jeanette loved to travel and visited Russia, Italy, Cuba, Mexico, Alaska, and several Caribbean islands, just to name a few of her favorite destinations. In 2011, Jeanette reconnected with her partner, Louis Preston Lawhorn, a high school friend and former neighbor. They spent the following years traveling and enjoying retirement together. Jeanette was incredibly talented and strong-willed. When she set her mind to something, she would do whatever it took to make sure that she completed the goal. She was not afraid to dive into a project that could get messy. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to try everything that they could and to always finish what they started, even when they weren’t good at it or ended up not liking it. Everyone she met was touched by her in some way and that inspiration and determination will be missed. After a long battle with Glioblastoma and attempts to treat and remove the brain tumors, Jeanette passed on December 11, 2023 surrounded by her family. Jeanette’s services will take place on January 3, 2024. The ceremony will take place at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1818 Coal Pl. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 with the visitation will beginning at 8:45. We hope that you will join us as we celebrate her life and share the many memories she helped create during her lifetime. Those wishing to send flowers should send them to Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121.