Iris Maria Torres

Iris Maria Torres-Rodriguez, 80, known to her family as Mami / Abuelita / Titi Iris departed this life on Thursday, September, 16, 2021 in Jacksonville Florida. Iris was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She was born to the late Rosa Maria Rodriguez and late Ildefonso Belen Torres in Ponce, Puerto Rico on March 26, 1941. Iris graduated from the Liceo Ponceno in 1958. As a housewife, Iris was a big part of building her previous spouse office and made it a success. Also Kindergarten teacher, and Sales Manager for her brothers business. Iris belonged to the Lions Club, and was very involved in the Girl Scouts. Cursillista among her functions in the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico. In 1981, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida to begin a new life. Iris’ mortgage banking career ranged from 1983 to 2008 holding many different managerial positions(Collections, Payoff, etc). Among many mortgage banking awards, Iris was a tutor to many. Five of her six children joined the mortgage banking word. Iris welcomed everyone in her heart. She always believed that nobody should be alone during the holidays and always had extra food for anyone. Twice Cancer survivor. Iris was a woman of conviction and her Catholic faith was very strong. She was instrumental in help build the Hispanic Commission for St. Catherine Church and was the first President. During her 35 plus years at St Catherine and Mary Queen of Heaven she helped rebuild the church and was part of many charities. After Iris retired in 2008, her time was spent with God (church), Family and Friends. One of her two favorite sayings were: “You know I love you, don’t you?” And “I love you to the moon and back” Iris loved to make clothes for everyone, sewing, macrame, crochet, were part of her many talents. She taught her children how to cook with saying “a gusto” and “le pones un chichi de esto y aquello”. Amazing cook. Iris loved music, specially salsa and merengue. She was an amazing dancer and taught many how to dance. Her smile would light up the room every time she would walk in. Her love for family and friends was unconditional and she taught us all how to forgive ourselves as well as others. Iris' light will shine for generations to come. She is preceded in death by her father Ildefonso Belen Torres, mother Rosa Maria Rodriguez, former spouse Dr. Jose B Colon-Fernandez, sister Lydia Santiago and son Jose Miguel Colon Torres. Survived by, daughter Taty and sons Joey (Madelina), Tito, Danny (Chris), Arnaldo (Hunter), and former spouse Papo. Sisters Marta (Enrique) & Maria, Brothers Ildefonso (Nilda) and Carlos. Also survived by grandchildren Alejandro, Nicole (Chaz), Arnaldo (Amanda) Francisco (Leslie), Luis (Erin), Niko, Maria, Austin (Jazmine), Alyssa (Mylasia), and Joseph (Rachel). Great grandchildren Ely, Emily, Christian, Joseph, Ella, Samira, Niko, Myles, Kingsley, Serenity. Also, many nephews, neices, and extended family.