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Angelina Calderon Torres, 88, a beautiful, loving, selfless, talented, and humble human being went to be with our Lord on June 5, 2008. Angie was born in Pueblo, CO, on January 1, 1920, to Spanish immigrant parents, Josefa Lopez and Basilio Calderon. Her life of service to others started when she was orphaned at the age of 13, and left school to care for her sister and five brothers. She eventually graduated from Hatch High School in 1939 and married Sinesio Alvarez Torres, a Spanish immigrant. After rearing seven children and being widowed at the age of 55, she began her acting career in a production at the Albuquerque Little Theater. She appeared in 80 plays with La Compania de Teatro de Albuquerque, Adobe Theater, Vortex Theater, and the UNM College of Fine Arts, among others. She had supporting character parts in 18 motion pictures, but her family and friends considered "Mamacita" to be the star. Her appearance on billboards for breast cancer awareness encouraged an increased number of Hispanic women to receive mammograms. Angie enjoyed reading, writing poetry, storytelling, volunteering, telling jokes, slot machines, and crossword puzzles. Among her many tributes were: Governor's Award for Outstanding Women, YWCA Women on the Move Award, Arts Alliance Bravo Award, and the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award. Angie leaves a legacy exemplifying the joy of service to others. She was predeceased by her husband; her daughters, Thelia Torres and Juanita Richardson; her sister; and five brothers. She is survived by her children: Carlos A. Torres and wife, Patricia (Patty), Sinesio A. (Snip) Torres and wife, Mary Helen, Josefa (Jo-An) Torres and husband, Dean Dye, Rosa Maria (Rose Mary "Redd") Eakin and husband, Randall (Randy) Eakin, Emilio Torres and wife, Margaret (Midge); and son-in-law, James (Jim) Richardson. This extraordinary woman will also be missed by her 17 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of her Life will be held on June 26 at 10 a.m., at St. Mark's-on-the-Mesa Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl. NE. A reception will follow at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (lobby and theater), 1701 4th St. SW, at 11:30 a.m. A private interment by Angie's children will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation may contribute to Presbyterian Hospice, 4300 Constitution, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 (Website: http://tinyurl.com/5rudj6), or to a charity of your choice.
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