Aurora B. Torres

On March 1, 1930, in Harlingen, Texas, our Lord Jesus Christ blessed Valentin Barrera, a carpenter, and Leonarda Medrano Barrera, his wife, with the arrival of their daughter, Aurora Barrera. Little did they know that this, their oldest child, would walk closely with God for over nine decades and impact so many lives.

“I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Born during the height of the Great Depression, Aurora was raised in a small home filled with great love and the aroma of warm tortillas on the stove; competitive marble games with her younger brother, Arturo; and horse-drawn carriage rides to the marketplace. Surrounded by a caring tribe of Tios (Jesus and Valentin), and Tias (Nicolasa, Carlota, Mela, and Cristina), Aurora grew into a confident, strong-willed, resilient young lady who loved Charro Days, working at Woolworth’s, and styling the hair of neighborhood ladies. She learned how to be frugal by watching her parents stretch their hard-earned dollars; it was in Aurora’s DNA to cut paper towels into multiple pieces before “select-a-size” kitchen towels were even invented.

A graduate of Villa Maria High School, Aurora worked as a bookkeeper at the Port of Brownsville, at her father’s neighborhood grocery (located in their home), and later attended Texas Southmost College where she majored in accounting. She had a knack for mathematics and especially enjoyed solving complex equations. Coupled with a strong work ethic, Aurora’s dependability and accuracy were valued by her employers. Any work bonus she received was promptly deposited into a savings account. Later in life she was thrilled to make a deposit on the purchase of a house and a small plot of land.

It was on a God-ordained bus ride that Aurora met her sweetie and future husband, Ramon Benito Torres. When Aurora married Ramon, she inherited an extended family of six brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law. Aurora admired how the Torres clan depended on each other in the absence of their mother and particularly enjoyed attending loud family gatherings with so many nephews and nieces.

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures

forevermore.” Psalm 16:11.

With the birth of her daughters, Juanita (Janey), and four years later, Socorro (Coco), Aurora shifted her work priorities to focus on her “beautiful and precious” girls. She was a protective, encouraging mother who coached Janey for spelling bee competitions and cheered loudly from the bleachers while Coco, a Hanna High School Strutter, danced during half-time at football games. The Torres sisters knew they were deeply loved as they witnessed the many sacrifices their mom made to care and provide for them. They especially looked forward to bouncing around in the back of the family station wagon as Ramon drove Aurora throughout the Rio Grande Valley to deliver Shaklee products and sell plants to supplement the family income. Many seasons later when Aurora relocated to Austin, she and her girls shared clothes, dreams, prayers, remedies, and hopes.

Aurora received two very special gifts in her lifetime with the birth of her grandchildren, Abraham Jacob (AJ) Herrera and Abigail (Abby) Denise Herrera. She was present when they each came into the world and at significant milestones during their upbringing. Living with her beloved children, Aurora was thoughtfully included in every possible family conversation, “chisme,” dilemma, and important decision. Her voice and laughter echoed throughout family gatherings and parties, church services, bible studies, Loteria games, dining out at favorite restaurants with Coco and her kids, dancing with AJ, and trips to the bookstore with Janey and Jim. Our mom was a voracious reader who enjoyed sharing what she learned about health and wellness and current events. Quiet time spent at home watching Luis Aguilar or Cantinflas on the big screen and eating AJ’s home-made caldo always made her heart sing.

“For now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face… And now these three remain:

faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:12-13.

Aurora’s life was defined by the Biblical truths of faith, hope and love.

We saw Aurora’s ardent faith in our Lord Jesus Christ when she dedicated so many years caring for her aging parents and later for Ramon. The prayers she spoke over her family were infused with a confident expectation that “with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. She knew that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17. It is no wonder that Aurora witnessed and received countless miracles during her lifetime. When the family’s material resources were scarce, or health issues emerged, or anxiety was on the rise, mom simply praised God. One of her favorite proclamations was “if we have health and peace, we lack nothing.”

Regardless of the disappointments, pain, and challenges, she endured in this life, Aurora had a fervent hope that “things are going to get better and better.” She believed in God’s healing power, his mercy and grace. Anytime she received a good medical report, Aurora raised her hands in the air and shouted, “Praise God” in the doctor’s office. Her heart was filled with the hope that comes from personally knowing the goodness of our Lord and Savior.

Aurora knew she was deeply loved by God, so it was easy for her to share this love with others. She seized opportunities in private and public to encourage others, family members and strangers alike, to turn to God. People gravitated toward Aurora’s straight-forward manner, wisdom, and compassion. Mom’s love for “her neighbor” was strong, forgiving, and constant because she was first and foremost loved by God. Our Lord, the Alpha and Omega of Aurora’s world, showed her how to love others in the same way that He loves us.

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1.

Mom acknowledged that we are all passing through this life enroute to our Heavenly reward. She believed that her “name was written in the Book of Life” by our Lord and Savior and trusted God to fulfill his promises. Aurora’s wish to be at home (from the hospital) for Christmas day 2022, was granted, yet she still had a deep yearning in her heart that could only be satisfied by Jesus. On January 3, 2023, after almost a century of serving our Lord on this earth, Aurora’s room in Heaven was ready and she confidently answered God’s call to join Him. We rejoice that our mom has entered into eternal rest; has received a new body; is free from pain and suffering; and has been reunited with loved ones who departed this life before her. In her final days, Aurora called out to her mother, father, and Arturito. We believe her parents and brother were ready to greet her and can only imagine the celebration they will enjoy, praising, serving, and worshipping God together for eternity.

…things that no eye has seen or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Aurora was predeceased by her parents, Valentin Barrera and Leonarda Medrano Barrera, her brother, Arturo Barrera, and her husband, Ramon Torres. She is survived by her daughters, Juanita Baldwin (James Baldwin) and Socorro Jones (Morris Jones), her grandson, Abraham Jacob Herrera and granddaughter, Abigail Denise Herrera, as well as a host of nephews and nieces. Also surviving Aurora are her life-long friends, Florence Sulava and Rosario Martinez.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to your local area Hospice. A special thank you to Nurse Destiny Despain at Silverado Hospice. Additionally, we are especially grateful for the many years of compassionate care provided by Dr. Swati Jadhav (Austin Regional Clinic) and Dr. Paul Pagley (Austin Heart Hospital).

Thank you, Father God, for every moment you allowed us to spend with our mom. We miss you, sweet Mama, and know we will see you once again. Thank you for uniting our family and for loving us.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd., Brownsville, Texas 78521, a Dignity Memorial Provider. Phone (956) 541-5400. www.funerariadelangelbuenavista.com

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service at 7:00 p.m. in Chapel of Peace at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, Brownsville, Texas.

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. there will be visitation with the family followed by graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Buena Vista Burial Park, Brownsville, Texas.

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24.