Visitation Information

Maria O. Torres, "Faye"

Passed away on March 3, 2026

Maria Ofelia “Faye” Torres (nee Martinez), lifelong resident of South Deering, passed away March 3, 2026, at 98 years. Beloved wife of the late Carmen “Mel” Torres for 73 years. Dear daughter of the late Pasquala and late Lucio Martinez. Last-surviving sister of Carmen (Raymond) Arias, Frank (Mercedes) Martinez, Olga (Mike) Garcia, Herbert Martinez, Coni (Paul) Fritz, and Martha Martinez. Loving mother of Thomas (Linda Villanueva), James (Esperanza), Linda, and Edward (Dee) Torres. Cherished grandmother of Angela, Jennifer, Jeffery, Nina, Erica, James, Mia, Julia, Evan, and Alyssa. Fond aunt, great-aunt, and great-grandmother of many. 

Faye was born January 5, 1928, in South Deering. She attended Orville T. Bright School and graduated from James H. Bowen High School. She loved her neighborhood and raised her family there with Mel. Together, they built a warm, lively, loving home. Faye’s family was her greatest joy, and she took pride in passing down traditions.

A faithful Catholic, Faye was a longtime and devoted parishioner of St. Kevin Church, where her faith shaped her daily life, generosity, and strength. She was a charter member and past-president of the American Legion Auxiliary South Deering Post #1238, as well as past-president of the 3rd District. Faye was also a member of the 8/40 Salon #220. Through these organizations, she formed long-lasting friendships and served her community with heart. 

Faye worked for many years in the Chicago Public Schools system and later the City Colleges of Chicago. She held a variety of roles at Bright School, Bowen High School, and Olive‑Harvey College. She was known for her reliability, kindness, and the way she treated everyone with respect. Faye greatly valued education and encouraged students to prioritize schooling. Though her hands are now at rest, her impact lasts in the lives she helped shape.

Faye was a kind-hearted, generous, and sentimental soul—always helping others and putting family first. Her quick wit brought laughter into every room. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, dancing the jitterbug, solving puzzles, playing slot machines, and surfing the web. She also loved traveling, and together with Mel, visited countless cities within the U.S. and abroad. 

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and devotion that will continue to live on in her children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation Thursday, March 12, 2026  2-8pm.  Funeral services Friday, March 13, 2026  9am prayers from Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.  Mass 10am.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  773-731-2749 www.elmwoodchapel.com