Pedro and Esther Torres

It is with profound sadness yet immense gratitude that we announce the passing of a remarkable couple, Pedro Hernandez Torres and Esther Lopez Torres, who celebrated an extraordinary 73 years of marriage. Their lives were a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering commitment, and they left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing them.

Pedro Hernandez Torres, affectionately known as Pete, was born on May 19, 1930, in Santa Paula, California, to Anselmo Torres and Santos Hernandez Torres. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Pete is survived by his six children: Irene, Steve, David, Rita, Yvette, and Chris, as well as his ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. His legacy will continue to shine through his extensive family tree.

Pete's life was distinguished by significant achievements. He served in the United States Air Force. He proudfully became a B-36 gunnery instructor and was later promoted to Staff Sergeant. His duty station in Denver, Colorado, allowed his family to join him, a time they fondly remembered as a unique adventure. A proud high school graduate, Pete was not only a dedicated soldier but also a gifted athlete. He excelled in track and cross country, showcasing his enduring determination. Tennis was another passion that brought him joy, and he often spent weekends playing tennis with family. His commitment to civil rights politics highlighted his deep-rooted principles, and his unwavering faith in the Catholic religion remained a cornerstone of his life.

Esther Lopez Torres, born on December 29, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, to Juan Lopez and Jesusita Castaneda, was a remarkable woman. She, too, is survived by her six children, ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Esther was a high school graduate with a multitude of talents. Her skills as a seamstress were matched only by her fervor for dance. At a young age she learned to dance, specializing in Flamenco and Cha-Cha. Her educational journey began at Our Lady Queen of Angels High School near La Placita (Olvera Street), where she nurtured her strong Catholic faith.

Esther's career was a testament to her pioneering spirit. She became the first female store manager at Phillips Music Company, a role she embraced with grace and determination. Her dedication extended to her role as a mother, as her children will fondly remember her as a role model, a nurturing presence, and a gifted cook. In her earlier years, she worked happily at her parents grocery store, where she learned all about her diverse community. Her commitment to civil rights politics mirrored her unwavering principles, and her strong faith in the Catholic religion was an enduring source of strength.

Pete and Esther's enduring love story began when Esther was just 13 years old, and Pedro was 15. Their paths crossed at Esther's father's market, where Pedro would ride his bike, often just to see her. Their high school romance evolved into a lifelong partnership, and in 1950, they eloped in Yuma, Arizona. Their union was the beginning of an extraordinary journey, which included the birth of their first child, Irene, in 1950, when Esther was 18 and Pedro was 21.

The Torres family embarked on a shared adventure when Pedro's service in the Air Force led them to Denver, Colorado, where they lived as a close-knit unit for four years and where they expanded their family to include Steve, David, and Rita. Returning to Los Angeles in 1955, Pete and Esther purchased their first home in El Sereno, marking a pivotal moment in their life journey. They created a loving home and raised their children together, expanding it further to include Yvette and their youngest, Chris. Family vacations in Baja California with their children and grandchildren became cherished traditions, filled with unforgettable moments.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the lives of Pete and Esther Torres on Monday, November 6, 2023. Services will be held from 10:30 am to 12 pm at the Beatitudes Of Our Lord Catholic Church in La Mirada, California, followed by a burial at Rose Hills Memorial Park at 1pm.

Pete and Esther will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing them. Their love and devotion to each other, their family, and their principles are a lasting inspiration.