Obituary for Orieta M. Torres (Santiago)
Orieta M. (Santiago) Torres, 78, of Wyomissing, passed away Wednesday April 29, 2020 in the care of ManorCare Sinking Spring. She was the widow of Pedro Torres.
Born in Morovis, Puerto Rico, Orieta was a daughter of the late Felipe and Angela Padilla Santiago. She was the youngest of six sibling with three sisters and two brothers. In 1966 Orieta and Pedro and their children moved to New York City. In 1970 they settled in Newark, New Jersey. Orieta held several jobs, and during the evenings, attended classes to learn English and studied for her driver’s test. She was very proud to be the only of her sisters to drive.
In recent years Orieta moved to the Reading area to be closer to her daughter. She was a member of St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, NJ, and lately attended mass at Sacred Heart Church, West Reading. Orieta was a devoted Catholic who enjoyed praying the Rosary. During hard times, her best advice was always, “Take a moment to pray,” as she believed prayer gave strength, wisdom, and patience to perform daily tasks.
She enjoyed watching and feeding the birds in the park. She also loved her flower garden, music, and dancing merengue with her grandchildren. Above all things, Orieta loved her family and her culture. She was proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and frequently traveled back to visit her brothers and sisters.
Orieta is survived by her children: Awilda, wife of Gregory Goodwin, of Wyomissing; Pedro, husband of Sonia, of New Jersey; and Wilfredo, husband of Lillian, of New Jersey. She is also survived by 14 beloved grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Edwin and daughter Adelaida.
Because of the limitations of the COVID pandemic, services for Orieta will be private at the convenience of her family.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., is assisting with arrangements. Condolences, tributes, and fond memories may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Morovis, Puerto Rico, Orieta was a daughter of the late Felipe and Angela Padilla Santiago. She was the youngest of six sibling with three sisters and two brothers. In 1966 Orieta and Pedro and their children moved to New York City. In 1970 they settled in Newark, New Jersey. Orieta held several jobs, and during the evenings, attended classes to learn English and studied for her driver’s test. She was very proud to be the only of her sisters to drive.
In recent years Orieta moved to the Reading area to be closer to her daughter. She was a member of St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, NJ, and lately attended mass at Sacred Heart Church, West Reading. Orieta was a devoted Catholic who enjoyed praying the Rosary. During hard times, her best advice was always, “Take a moment to pray,” as she believed prayer gave strength, wisdom, and patience to perform daily tasks.
She enjoyed watching and feeding the birds in the park. She also loved her flower garden, music, and dancing merengue with her grandchildren. Above all things, Orieta loved her family and her culture. She was proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and frequently traveled back to visit her brothers and sisters.
Orieta is survived by her children: Awilda, wife of Gregory Goodwin, of Wyomissing; Pedro, husband of Sonia, of New Jersey; and Wilfredo, husband of Lillian, of New Jersey. She is also survived by 14 beloved grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Edwin and daughter Adelaida.
Because of the limitations of the COVID pandemic, services for Orieta will be private at the convenience of her family.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., is assisting with arrangements. Condolences, tributes, and fond memories may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.