On April 11, 2025, the world lost a spark of pure energy, joy, and sass. Gricel Maria Torres, 73, of Reading, PA, entered eternal rest at St. Joseph Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and fierce Puerto Rican pride.
Born on November 5, 1951, in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Gricel came into this world ready to shine. She was the proud daughter of the late Santiago and Virginia (Gonzalez) Torres, and from an early age, it was clear she was going to do life her own fabulous way.
By trade, Gricel was a beautician, and for years she made sure the world looked just a little more fabulous — all while earning her bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Alvernia University. She later went on to be a social worker for over two decades, dedicating herself to lifting up others through roles with Mercy Health, Caruso’s, The Hispanic Center, and finally Community Prevention Partnership, where she retired in 2019.
Outside the office, Gricel’s social calendar was busier than most. She was one of the driving forces behind Reading’s largest Puerto Rican Latin Festival and pageants, coordinated through The Hispanic Center, and was proudly involved with The Latina Gathering and the Puerto Rican Civic Association.
Gricel adored dancing. She adored her red wine — bold, just like her — and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never turned down a beach trip, a family vacation, a weekend getaway with the girls, or a good swim. And Saturdays? Those were for cleaning, but never without her signature soundtrack: Motown, Salsa, and soul, played loud enough to get the whole house moving — whether they liked it or not. Her son Elliot carries on that tradition now, channeling his mom every weekend.
Gricel wasn’t just the life of the party — she was the party. You always knew when she arrived, because she never simply walked into a room, she made an entrance. She had that rare kind of charisma that made people gravitate toward her. Friends? She had a few hundred. Many since grade school. And if you asked any one of them what she meant to them, chances are you'd hear the same thing, over and over: “She was my best friend.”
Gricel’s spark was impossible to miss — vibrant, unfiltered, and utterly unforgettable. She lived boldly, loved fiercely, and made every room brighter just by being in it.
Rest in eternal peace, dear Gricel. The party won’t be the same without you, but we’ll keep the music playing and the red wine flowing in your honor.
Gricel's vibrant spirit lives on through her son Elliot Torres and his fiancé Mary Jane; her 4 siblings Santiago Torres, Luis Torres, Blanca Torres, and Monica Lash-Torres; her 6 grandchildren Alec Torres, Julian Torres, Shane Torres, Gavin Torres, Marissa Winters, and Nicholas Koch; and her 4 great-grandchildren: Adalyn Rose, Braelynn, Landon, and Ayden. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law Sherrie Torres, 9 nieces and nephews, countless cousins, and an army of friends from every walk of life who will proudly carry her memory forward.
In addition to her parents, Gricel was greeted in heaven by her son Richard Torres, and her 5 siblings Carmen Rodriguez, Rafael Torres, Eusebio Torres, and her twin brothers, Elliot and Eusebio Torres.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a viewing on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Theo C. Auman Inc., 247 Penn Street, Reading, PA. A secondary viewing will be held on Friday, April 25, from 9:00 to 9:50 AM at St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church, 925 Centre Avenue, Reading, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial promptly commencing at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gricel’s memory may be made to Safe Berks — formerly Berks Women in Crisis — at 255 Chestnut Street, Reading, PA 19602.
