Ursula Lopez Torres

Ursula (Lopez) Torres (85) of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Monday, May 30 after a short illness unrelated to Covid-19. She was born in Manzano, NM on February 2, 1937 to Santiago and Dolores (Salas) Lopez. Ursula had many siblings including brothers who preceded her in death: Antonio, Alfonso & wife Helen, Ricardo & wife Trini, Jose, and brother-in-law, Bobo Crapes (Cecilia). She is survived by her sister, Cecilia and youngest brother Orlando & wife Dolores. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Gilbert Torres, for 53 years until his death in 2009. They had four daughters who they lovingly called their “four queens”, Rosemary, Joyce (preceded in death 2009), Karen and Michelle. Ursula, proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Beverly & Merlinda, daughters of Rosemary Marquez; Victor (preceded in death 2015) & Ivan, sons of Joyce Marquez; Joseph, Renee and Christine, children of Karen & Adam Baca; and Matthew & Amanda, children of Michelle & Joe Roybal, all of whom she loved very much including their spouses Steve Martinez (Merlinda), Angela Marquez (Ivan), Sharlynn Baca (Joseph), Tomas Villalobos (Christine), Christina Roybal (Matthew), Joseph Morrison (Amanda). She was also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Ursula and her small family settled into Albuquerque’s suburb named Westgate Heights when the neighborhood was brand new, where they grew their family. Their neighbors became dear friends and ultimately extended family. Ursula worked in the grocery industry first at Piggly Wiggly, then K-Mart Foods, and ultimately retired from Smith’s where after working as bookkeeper, was promoted to assistant manager. She made many life-long friends whom she greatly cherished. She was a proud business owner of U-C Results Upholstery which she co-owned with her sister, Cecilia. After retirement, she continued to work upholstery giving new life to many pieces with the help of her husband, Gilbert. Ursula enjoyed taking road trips with her family pulling their travel trailer as they crossed many state lines to visit various National and State parks and even explored southern Canada on one adventure. She also loved regular trips to Las Vegas with Gilbert and many friends over the years. Visiting local casinos was one of her favorite pass-times right up until the end, taking an overnight trip with her daughters for Mother’s Day. Gilbert’s family was Ursula’s family whom she loved dearly including his parents Sosteno & Anamaria (Chavez) Torres (deceased), siblings Antonio Gonzalez & wife Petrita (deceased), Ciprian & Frances Torres (deceased), Alejandro & Felicita Torres (deceased), Cande (deceased) & wife Hope Torres, Bernicia (deceased) & husband Feliz Torrez, Arturo (deceased) & wife Jenny Torres, Clory (deceased) & husband Johnny Gutierrez, and Jose & Gloria Torres. Ursula had a long happy life; however, she endured hardships. Even so, she was the first to volunteer to cook or serve when others were in need. She was the life of the party and brightened spirits of those she came in contact with including her apartment neighbors with whom she enjoyed bingo, and coffee socials. She was an artist when it came to telling a story. It was apparent she had an impact on those she came in contact with from her hometown of Manzano, to Westgate, back to the Manzano Mountains and ultimately the apartment complex in Albuquerque. Ursula is also survived by Son-in-law Rick Valdez (Joyce), many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. She was loved by all and will be sorely missed. Rest now dear, sweet Mom. We will be together again. ❤ Funeral services will begin with A Rosary on Wednesday, June 15 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Manzano, NM at 10:00am, followed by Mass. Burial will take place immediately following Mass and the family will receive guests to celebrate Ursula’s life with a light meal afterwards. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Harris-Hanlon, Moriarty, NM.