Helen Lillian Abousleman Torres was born on February 2, 1922 to Margarita Maestas and George Abousleman in Flagstaff, Arizona. She lived most of her life in Bernalillo, NM. She was preceded in death by her husband Hilario (Lalo) J. Torres, parents Margarita and George Abousleman Sr., brothers George Abousleman Jr. and Albert Abousleman. She is survived by son Joe Torres and wife Orlinda; daughters Margie Amiot and husband Steve, Gina Torres and husband David Salazar; son Jack Torres and wife Anna, daughter Elizabeth and husband Joel Kirschner; grandchildren David Lepre, Joseph Lepre and wife Nicole, Mario and Carlos Torres, Catarina, Hilario and Fiancée Lisa, and Aurora Torres, Richie Kirschner; great-grandchildren Gennaro and Sofia Lepre, Amara Gallegos and Hilario Torres; plus extended family. Helen Lillian Abousleman Torres married H.J. (Lalo) Torres on May 15, 1948 in Bernalillo, New Mexico and raised 5 highly independent, head strong children. It's impossible to think about Helen's life without Lalo, their lives were so intertwined. For both of them education was a priority and they were very proud of their family's educational accomplishments. For both of them service to others and giving was a major part of their lives. Helen was president of the local chapter of the Salvation Army. "Helen joined Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) as a charter member of Court Immaculate Heart of Mary #1671 in Bernalillo when the court was instituted in March, 1954. Through the years she held the offices of regent, financial secretary, treasurer and recording secretary of the court. With other members of Court Immaculate Heart of Mary she served on the State degree team. In addition she served one two-year term as regent of the New Mexico State Court. As such she was the chief administrative officer of Catholic Daughters of the Americas in the State, responsible to the National Office of CDA." (Thanks to Miranda Sapien for this information.) Mother to all of us, our friends and acquaintances. Always the hostess, she would ask if we wanted something to eat, regardless of the time. She did not believe in diets. She loved all sweets and especially anything chocolate. She was an active partner in the Economy Store and active in public service, involved with OLOS Catholic Church activities, active in community life, supported Lalo in all his endeavors, especially in political life, and was an avid reader. She definitely enjoyed the excitement and thrill of political discourse including campaigning. People who knew her said she was the most beautiful, elegant and proper woman they ever knew; beyond this her sense of humor was colorful (to those chosen few). Nephew Ron Abousleman was especially close to her and when he got married he brought his wife Helen into the family. His brother Gary spent a lot of time growing up with the family and brought his wife Mary Rose into the family. Thank you to Pauline Blechner, her sister-in-law, for all those visits for Friday lunch, beans on Friday. Helen looked forward to your visits and missed you if you could not make it. Thank you to Stella Hernandez a special friend, longtime next door neighbor, all the extraordinary family and friends, and all the wonderful people who cared for Helen. They were more than caretakers, they are friends, they went above and beyond. Maria and Servando Trillo, thank you for caring for her, loving her, all the beautiful flowers and the smiles you brought to her. Special thanks to Nellie Chavez, Anna Lozoya and Lupe Rodriguez. Thank you to Danielle from Hospice de La Luz for your dedication and caring. And to all the folks there for their support. Rosary will be recited on Monday, November 14, 2011, 6:30 pm at French ~ Wyoming Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 11:00 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 301 Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo, NM. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.