Julia Torres

Julia Louise Torres

May 17, 1936 - February 5, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Julia Louise Torres, age 88, of Salt Lake City, Utah. Julia passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of her children and family.

Born on May 17, 1936, in Mounds, Utah, to her devoted parents, Vicente and Tomasita Aguayo, Julia spent her formative years in Sunnyside, Utah. She attended high school there before continuing her education at Salt Lake Community College, where she pursued her passion for learning. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to education, hard work, and perseverance-values she carried with her throughout her life. Julia's life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and unwavering love for her family.

Julia was a woman of extraordinary strength and determination. She faced life's challenges with an unmatched strength and unwavering dignity, raising and providing for nine children against all odds. She did whatever was necessary to support her children-from picking cherries in the fields to delivering phone books-demonstrating the true meaning of perseverance and self-reliance. Through it all, she carried herself with an unshakable sense of pride, instilling those same values in her children and future generations.

A lifelong educator, Julia dedicated many years to shaping young minds through her work at Franklin Elementary School, Guadalupe School, and the YWCA. Her influence extended far beyond her family, leaving a lasting impact on countless children who were fortunate enough to learn from her wisdom and care.

Julia's work ethic was unmatched. She poured herself into every job she took on, always striving to provide the best life for her children. Her dedication and perseverance led her to long and successful careers with ZCMI, UNYSIS, and Hertz, where she eventually retired after years of hard work. Even in retirement, she remained active, always finding ways to stay engaged with her family and community.

Despite her tireless work ethic, Julia always made time for the things that brought her joy. She had a deep love for family and photography, capturing cherished memories to be passed down through generations.

Her devotion to community service was unwavering-she took great care to honor her loved ones, especially during the holidays, ensuring that every grave had a wreath at Christmas. Thoughtful and kind-hearted, she never forgot a birthday, always making sure those she loved felt remembered and celebrated.

Julia took great pride in her garden, cultivating beauty with the same dedication she poured into everything she did. Every Saturday, she created special moments with her grandchildren, taking them to Home Depot workshops, where they built projects together, reinforcing the importance of learning and hands-on creativity.

Each year, she greeted visitors at the front gates of the Utah State Fair, a tradition she cherished and looked forward to.

Julia's greatest legacy, however, is the extraordinary family she built. As the matriarch of five generations, she leaves behind a family of 185 direct descendants-a testament to the life and love she nurtured. She is survived by six of her nine children:

Cynthia Acosta, Ursula Hernandez, Catherine Hernandez, Michelle Cabral (Heriberto), Richard Lovato (Patricia), and Julie Lovato, as well as 38 grandchildren, 96 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren. Siblings: Clarence Aguayo (Vickie), Dionizio Aguayo (Tracy), Esther Garcia (Henry), Isabel Aguayo, Ralfie Kinder.

She is preceded in death by her children's father, Isaac Henry Lovato, her parents, Vicente and Tomasita Aguayo, her daughters, Denise Lovato and Rebecca Lovato, her son, Joseph Lovato (Penny), her step-son, Eric Lobato, siblings Frank Fukuda, Lupe Hinojosa, Thomas Aguayo, and Rudy Aguayo.

A Special Thank You

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for Julia in her final days. A special thank you to her devoted family members who surrounded her with love, as well as the compassionate and dedicated staff at Atlas Home Care and Hospice. Your kindness and care provided immeasurable comfort to Julia and her loved ones during this difficult time, and we are forever grateful for the love and support you showed.

Though we have lost a pillar of strength, her legacy will continue to thrive through the family she built with love, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Julia leaves behind not just a name, but a lineage of strength, determination, and unity that will carry forward for generations to come. She has earned her wings, now soaring with the angels, watching over the family she cherished so deeply. We will forever honor her memory, carrying her lessons of resilience, love, and pride in all that we do.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 14th at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 1058 West 400 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 13th at 6:00 P.M; Rosary at 7:00 P.M at Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Interment at Memorial Mortuaries & Cemeteries, 6500 South Redwood Rd., West Jordan, Utah.

Rest in peace, our beautiful mother, grandmother, and sister.

Julia, your legacy lives on.