Corazon Barrios Torres

A Life Well-Lived

With great sorrow and profound reverence, we announce the passing of Corazon Barrios Torres, affectionately known to many as "Lola," who left this world and entered eternal life on December 25, 2024, in Santa Ana, California. Born on June 26, 1939, in the charming city of Iloilo, Philippines, Corazon was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, tita, and friend whose life radiated warmth and love.

Corazon, a proud University of the Philippines graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, built a career at Rockwell International as a section manager, receiving awards and recognition for her contributions to the company. Her true joy, however, came from loving her family. She was the heart of her home, a guiding light and nurturing soul whose laughter filled the air and whose culinary delights—unique but yummy school lunches packed carefully in trendy metal lunchboxes and the fragrant aromas of bangus, adobo, siopao asado, bibingka—beckoned all to gather around the table. Dad will remember Mom for her excellent banana cake, a delightful treat she had baked for him since they met.

Her memories linger like sweet melodies across the hearts of those she loved; from spontaneous road trips to the exciting Saturday fish market at the crack of day in Newport Beach, Corazon crafted moments as vibrant and vivid as the earliest dawns. She gathered all of us to pray at the family altar, affirming her steadfast faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Her passion for family traditions brought forth joyful gatherings around a campfire, a memorable family Christmas in Italy, and lively Filipino parties, which sparked laughter and cheer. Mom's love for traveling ignited an adventurous spirit in her children. With Dad, she journeyed to East and Western Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Eastern and Western USA, Mexico, the Philippines, and South and Central America. After retirement, she and Dad sailed the world on many cruises. We will remember Mother for her love of Nat King Cole, Joni James, Vic Damone, Tony Bennett, Astrud Gilberto, and Sergio Mendez and classic movies "Gigi," "The Sound of Music," and "Westside Story," among many others. One favorite, "Two for the Road," included Mom's and Dad's theme song, the same as the movie's title. She was a romantic, naming two parakeets, Tony and Maria, the star-crossed lovers of "Westside Story." Corazon was vibrant and full of curiosity. She was an avid reader and shared inspiring stories about the saints and healthy living. Her love of gardening cultivated not only plants but also the nurturing spirit that enveloped her family's life. With a penchant for collecting beautiful, quality treasures, she was synonymous with organization and style—a lady of grace and elegance.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Alfredo Sinco Torres, and a loving legacy in her children: Miriam, Jeanette, Michelle, Yvonne, Freddie, and Michael. Her grandparental embrace spreads further with grandchildren Jasmine, Jordan, Leanna, Addison, Bianca, Dorothy, Joe, Claire, Vince, Clark, and Wes, as well as great-grandchildren Gavin, Maddie, and Benjamin. Corazon was a loving sister to Marilou and Dindo. She welcomed her sons-in-law Taylor, Leonard, and Anthony, daughters-in-law Colleen and Lauren, and grandchildren-in-law Mike and Stephanie into her heart with the same exuberance she showed to all. Corazon is preceded in death by her brothers Joaquin, Victor, and Carlos; sister-in-law Celia; father Conrado Barrios and mother Virginia Samson Barrios; brothers-in-law Eric and Lino; mother-in-law Maria Torres; and daughter Maria Cecilia.

Corazon's impact on the lives she touched is immeasurable. She was an active member of St. Cecilia's Choir, the Rosary Group, and the traveling Legion of Mary Pilgrim Virgin, showing that her devotion extended beyond her family and into the tapestry of her community. Her commitment to creating connections forged the bonds between family and friends, making gatherings treasured affairs filled with love and laughter. As we bid farewell for now to our beloved Corazon, we urge all who knew her to cherish the moments she cultivated and the memories she wove into our lives. Her spirit will forever shine like the brightest star on a clear night, a beacon of unconditional love, laughter, and faith. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she generously bestowed upon others. We look forward to the day we reunite with Lola, who now waits for us in Paradise.

Our family has chosen to hold a private funeral mass and interment for our dear Corazon. Thank you for understanding. We encourage you to sign the guest book below.