Gricell Torres, 48, Preschool Teacher

Born June 5, 1954 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, she has lived in Lorain since 1973.

She was a 1976 graduate of Southview High School, and then received an associate degree in early childhood education from Lorain County Community College in 1990.

She had been employed for 23 years at Lorain County Community Action Lorain Head Start as a preschool teacher.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain and the national Council for the preservation of Story Telling. She enjoyed spending time with her family and crocheting.

Surviving is her husband of 29 years, Jose, a son, Jose of Lorain, daughters, Gricell Negron of Lorain, and Cynthia Torres of Athens, Ohio, 1 granddaughter, father, Felipe Madera of Ponce, Puerto Rico, mother Milagros Madera of Lorain, brothers, Felipe Madera Jr., Harvey Velasquez, Harold Velasquez, all of Lorain, Karl Velasquez of Kansas City, MO, Guacho Madera, of San Antonio, TX, and Alex Madera of California, sisters Madelyn Madera of Lorain, Jacqueline Velasquez of Louisville, KY, Edna Velasquez of Lorain, Angie Torres of Chandler, AZ, Maritza Madera of Bronx, NY, Marisol Madera and Dalia Madera both of San Antonio, TX and Caroline Velasquez of Puerto Rico.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. The family will also receive friends on Wednesday, April 30th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Rev. Fr. William Thaden, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.