Rita Torres

On July 18, 1956, Rita Jo Vigil was born to Jose and Mary Vigil in Denver, Colorado. The youngest of three children, Rita was adored by her older siblings, Marco and Connie. As a young child, Rita was very shy, never leaving her mother’s side. Luckily, just across the street, she found a best friend, Julie, to navigate childhood with. A friendship that lasted a lifetime. Rita attended Godsman Elementary and Rishel Junior High School, making many new friends, and eventually graduating from South High School in 1974. She began working part-time at the Denver Public Library during high school and continued full-time after graduation. In 1980, she met Michael Torres. The two of them married and had two daughters, Lindsey in 1983 and Jessica in 1986. When that marriage ended in 1989, Rita moved on to be an incredibly independent woman and mother. She purchased a home for her and her daughters and was able to successfully complete any and every task that came her way. Whether it was cleaning, cooking, gardening, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, moving furniture, installing carpet, painting walls, or building a storage room in her basement, Rita was capable of anything. A real-life Superwoman. She raised her daughters and was an extraordinary role model. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, making holiday outfits, photography, and doing arts and crafts projects with her girls. In 2003, Rita met Ben Vialpando and their connection was undeniable. The two fell in love and would later marry. Also in 2003, Rita became a grandma for the first time and she could not have been more proud of her new grandson, Dominick. Two more grandchildren followed, Layla in 2007 and Joshua in 2008. What an incredible grandma she was. There was nothing she enjoyed more than being with her grand kids. She didn’t want to miss a single minute. Each birthday, holiday, school event, game, she was there. Rita retired in 2012, after 35 years with the Denver Public Library. She helped care for her mother and grandchildren in the years to follow. Her free time was spent making jewelry, learning to play the ukulele, and traveling. In 2014, Rita married the love of her life, Ben, in magnificent Maui! She continued to enjoy her retirement and all the extra time she was able to spend with her family. She did her best to entertain her three grand kids during every Summer, Spring, and Winter break. The four of them would spend their days playing board games, cooking, swimming, and of course, reading at the library. In May of 2018, Rita learned of her cancer diagnosis and handled every moment with courage and grace, stating confidently to her loved ones, “I’m not scared”. Being the stability of her family, she fought the entire ten months, never giving up for a second and never losing her faith in God. Rita was capable of seeing the light and laughter in any situation and was the true definition of strength. She always listened, never judged and was a blessing to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rita is survived by her husband, Ben Vialpando; daughters, Lindsey and Jessica (Jaymie) Torres; grandchildren, Dominick Torres and Layla and Joshua Garcia; sister, Connie (Doug) Lillibridge; brother, Marco (Pam) Vigil; nieces, Cari (Evan) Jones and Denise (Cody) Jennings; nephew, Adam (Jennie) Lillibridge; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Rita is predeceased by her mother, Mary Vigil and father, Jose Vigil. Memorial service: Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. All Saints Catholic Church 2559 South Federal Boulevard Denver, Colorado 80219 Refreshments to follow service.