Teresa Torres Cortez

Teresa Torres Cortez passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As the matriarch of her family, she leaves behind a profound void, but her legacy is one of unwavering faith, deep devotion to her family, and generous service to her community.

Teresa was born on August 2, 1934, in Michoacán Mexico. She arrived in the United States in 1977 to welcome her firstborn granddaughter, Esmeralda. From that moment, she made it her mission to make the U.S. her permanent home. Once she brought her younger children to the United States so the entire family could build their lives here together, the family remained close-knit and deeply connected. The family raised not only the firstborn granddaughter, but every grandchild who followed, making the saying “it takes a village” a true reflection of their lives.

Before coming to the United States, Teresa was a hardworking seamstress in Mexico, using her skill and dedication to support and provide for her children.

Teresa faithfully served Holy Cross Church for many years before moving to Watsonville, where she became an active member of St. Patrick’s Church, then Assumption Church, and later Sacred Heart Church in Salinas. Alongside her daughter Teresa, she helped form church choirs that often-included grandchildren playing guitar and bass. She also dedicated her time to bringing the Holy Eucharist to the sick during the week, sharing stories, companionship, and prayer during her visits.

To her grandchildren, Teresa was more than a grandmother—she was a mother figure, a teacher, and a source of strength. She often shared stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and hard work, inspiring many to face life’s challenges with courage. Having endured the hardships of the 1930s and the many struggles that followed, Teresa became a young widow raising eight children on her own. Through faith, resilience, and the support of her older children, she kept her family strong and united.

Teresa is survived by her daughters, Maria Gutierrez (Jose Luis), Esperanza Alvarez, and Guadalupe Garcia (Enrique); and her sons, Enrique Alvarez, Jesus Alvarez, and Victor Alvarez (Azucena Torreblanca). She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Enrique Torres and Esperanza Cortez; her husband Jesus Alvarez; her daughters, Teresa Alvarez and Dolores Alvarez; her grandson, Jesus ”Mamito” Alvarez; and her great-grandson, Diego A. Medina Jr.

Services will be held at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel in Watsonville on May 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recital at 6:00 p.m. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on May 8 at St. Patrick’s Church in Watsonville at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Christian burial at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park on Hecker Pass Road.