Veronica Torres

She was born in Čezsoča, Italy on March 29, 1929. During World War II as the Germans were taking over this northern territory of Italy, Veronica left her family and fled to Rome as a young teenager, as the communist regime was after her to spy on the people in her village while she worked at the local convenience store. After being in a refugee camp in Rome for five years, her aunt in Pennsylvania sponsored her to come to America in the mid 1950’s where she began a new life.

She was married to Angel Luis Torres on December 22, 1962. After moving to Naples in 1977, Veronica began a prosperous career with Collier County Public Schools. She worked as a food service worker for one year in 1978, and then worked as an ELL Tutor from 1979-1994 when she retired from Lely Elementary School. Additionally, she worked as a teacher in the school district’s Adult Education program, teaching English as a second language before retiring in 2012. She was also a member of Saint Elizabeth Seton Church. Veronica had a passion for gardening and working in her yard. She never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel important.

She remained faithful to her husband who passed away nineteen years ago on August 29, 1996. She is survived by her children Luis Antonio“Tony” Torres and Veronica Angelica “Angie” Torres (Mark Tessier). She leaves behind two grandchildren who she adored; Justin Bush (19) and Nicole Bush (17). She vacationed this past June with her family to Italy and Slovenia, where she was welcomed by her surviving sisters, Ana Mlekuž and Lina Kavs, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. We find comfort in knowing that she is reunited once again with her mother; Tereza Lah, her father Joza Hrovat, and her sisters Tilka, Polda, Fanja, and Darinka.

A Celebration of Life will be held on: August 29, 2015 at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church from 12:00-1:00pm followed by a Memorial Service at 1:30pm at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens located at 525 111th Ave N.

Because Veronica was a devoted educator to students and adults and an advocate for parental involvement in education, In Lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to support the Parent Academy Workshops as well as the staff and students of Village Oaks Elementary School where her daughter is a Principal. Checks can be made out to Village Oaks Elementary School, specifying the Veronica Torres Memorial Fund in the memo section of the check. Please mail all donations to 1601 S.R. 29 South, Immokalee, Florida 34142.