Cecelia Torres

Cecelia Torres of Taos, New Mexico passed away August 27, 2016 after a year-long battle with cancer. Born on September 9, 1936 to Teodora Montaner and and Arturo Martinez y Salazar, they were descendants of Padre Martinez. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, educator Frank Torres; her parents Teodora and Arturo Martinez y Salazar; and brother, Vicente Martinez. She is survived by her three children: Ramon (Janeth) Torres; Raul (Patty) Torres; Maye Torres; grandsons Isaiah, Zachary and Matthias Torres- Trujillo; nephew Antonio (Ivonne) Martinez; many, many in-laws nieces and nephews, family and friends. Cecelia was known for her elegance, generosity of spirit and wisdom. Throughout her life, Cecelia was inspired by and had a passion for the arts. Her parents owned Fernandez de Taos bar on Taos Plaza, and was exposed to the lively, social atmosphere of old Taos. She was a flamenco dancer and taught dancing in Taos and pursued a degree as a seamstress in Los Angeles after High School. She married Frank Torres from Ranchos de Taos in 1957 and they had three children, Ramon, Raul and Maye. The Torres family moved to Albuquerque in 1963. In 1969 Frank and Cecelia move their family to San Salvador, El Salvador where they lived until 1971. Frank later accepted jobs in Quito,Ecuador and in La Paz, Bolivia. When they returned to Taos, Cecelia's Love for the arts led her to opening a contemporary arts gallery, "New Directions Gallery", on Taos Plaza. She owned and operated the gallery for 17 years, with Anne Liebert's assistance, changing art exhibits monthly. She exhibited the most avant-garde artists of Taos. She was an active member of the Capitol Arts Foundation Board in Santa Fe. On The advisory boards for the Harwood Museum in Taos and the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe. Cecelia loved Taos and love to giving back to the community. She was an avid reader, enjoyed eating out, a glass of champagne, socializing with friends and spending time with her family. She was a Renaissance woman and will be greatly missed. We, the family of Cecelia Torres, send our heartfelt thanks and love to our many family and friends for their support this past year and throughout the years of her wonderfully blessed life. Memorial services for Cecelia Torres were held on September 10, 2016 at Rivera Funeral Home in Taos, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Mountain Home Health Care" or the "Rocky Mountain Youth Corps" in Taos, New Mexico. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.