Margarita Torres-Montanez

January 11, 1951 - January 2, 2022

Margarita Torres-Montanez, who loved to be called “Mommy,” “Abuela,” and “Vieja” by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, departed her loving family on January 2, 2022. Margarita was born in Puerto Rico- Santurce on January 11, 1951. Margarita was the partner of Jose R. Maldonado, aka “Papi.” Margarita is the mother to Jannette Maldonado, Efrai Maldonado, Carlos Maldonado, and Maria Lewis-Maldonado. She raised her children with love and devotion, mainly in New York State. Margarita loved to laugh, hug, and feed everyone, sitting outside with her lawn chair hanging out with her fiancé and family. She enjoyed saying funny/inappropriate things, playing dominoes every weekend, going to the casino to play slots and bingo, eating Red Lobster and eating her favorite meal, which was the ultimate feast with her pina colada and her pizza. Margarita loved her video games Tetris and Mario Brothers. She loved to attend the Puerto Rican Festivals in Syracuse and Rochester. As a homemaker and entrepreneur, Margarita was known for her love and devotion to her family and those she loved. Margarita had a spirit that lit every room with her loud voice and a big smile. She loved life, and she lived every moment she could with a smile on her face. Her favorite songs were “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” “I like it Like That,” “Selia Cruz,” famous artist Selina, La India, Elipe Rodriguez. Margarita is survived by her four children, Jannette Maldonado, Efrain Maldonado Jr., Juan Carlos Maldonado, and Maria Del Carmen Maldonado-Lewis; her partner, Jose R. Maldonado, aka “Papi”; children-in-law, Keenan Lewis, Jennifer Nesci-Maldonado, with partners-in-law, Julissa Martinez and Vernie Blake. Aside from her children, she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Todd Mitchum, Zequana Goodson, Armando (Alyssa) Ricco Maldonado, Jocelyn Maldonado, Kymberly McCurty, Antwan Days, Montress Jett and Claudia Short, Kiara Maldonado, Jordyn Maldonado and Carlito Maldonado; great- grandchildren, Kamari, Destiny, Navi, Kameron, Jamil, Isaiah, Noah, Julius, Mia Luna, Monty, and Nyla; many siblings including, Lydia, Miguel, Rosa, Elba, Julita, Gladys, and Lucy. A calling hour will be held on Tuesday, January 11th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Loomis Hill Cemetery.