Claudia “Tati” Torres, 74, of Levittown, NY, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Claudia was a passionate and devoted teacher. She earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and began her career at St. Jerome in Brooklyn, NY, later working for the New York City Board of Education with grades K-3. Students always looked forward to seeing her latest art projects, and she was a mentor to them as well as her fellow teachers. They would often look forward to the plays that she and her classes would put on for the school.

Claudia will be remembered fondly by her loved ones for her outspoken nature, and her sense of humor. She had an uncanny ability to bring laughter into any room, often with a witty remark or cleverly crafted joke.

She had a love for arts and crafts, including painting, calligraphy, knitting, and sewing. Claudia enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and playing Scrabble with her friends and family. She loved listening to Elvis, and country music; and loved movies such as Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. Claudia also loved TV shows, like Little House on the Prairie, and Sanford & Son. Her love for her family, and her students, will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Luis and Virgilia (Petra) Jimenez Torres; and brother, Louis Torres Jr.

Claudia is survived by her loving sisters, Maritza Nankoo, and Miriam Rivera; brother, Anibal Torres; thirteen nieces and nephews; and eighteen great nieces and nephews. She found companionship and joy in her two loyal cats, Oreo and Leo, who were always by her side.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 4^th, from 8am to 10am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 4^th, at 11am at the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. Entombment will follow at the Marlboro Memorial Mausoleum, 361 Highway 79, Morganville.

Donations in memory of Claudia Torres can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).