Julia Helda Restrepo De Torres, 91, of Vero Beach, passed away on Jan. 7, 2016.
She is survived by her three daughters and four grandchildren: Luz Maria (Luis Fernando) Ramírez of Vero Beach: their children, Laura Lorena (Roberto) Virgen Jr. of South Carolina, and Nicolas Ramírez of Orlando. Margarita (Jeffrey Norman, deceased) Dean of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Maria Elena (Kenneth Miles) Taggart and their children Ethan and Andrea Taggart, all of Malabar.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Jose Vidal Torres Van-Arcken, two sisters, Ofir Restrepo and Margarita Naranjo de Gómez, and her parents Manuel Restrepo and Rosa Acosta de Restrepo.
Restrepo De Torres was born on Jan. 28, 1924, in Manizales, Colombia.
She obtained a teaching degree from “Normal Nacional de Señoritas.” She worked 28 years for the School Board of Caldas, and later she was the Principal of Colegio Atala de Estrada for 10 years.
After retirement, she managed the family businesses with her husband, Vidal. She enjoyed knitting, solving crossword puzzles and reading.
She is loved by everyone who had the fortune of knowing her. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a US citizen on Dec. 21, 2015, just a few days before her departure. She is an example of strength and knowledge. Her family and friends will always remember her as a warm and wise person.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16 2016, at 10 a.m. Service will be celebrated at the chapel of St. Helen Catholic Church, 2025 20th Avenue, Vero Beach.
