Violeta Legaspi Torres

Birth: December 12, 1937 | Death: October 11, 2026

Violeta Legaspi Torres passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and fortified by the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, on October 11, 2026 at the Anaheim Regional Medical Center in California, USA.

Violeta (aka “Baby” or “Violy”) was an active member of the Diocese of Orange County, attending Mass at St. Justin Martyr, St. Boniface, and Christ Cathedral. Her strong spirituality and steadfast Catholic faith gave her comfort and inner strength throughout her life. She received the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist regularly, often accompanied by family towards the end of her life.

A lifelong devotee to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Violeta prayed the rosary daily. She kept religious icons of Santo Niño (the Child Jesus) and the Blessed Mother by her bedside. Violeta made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady in Lourdes, France and visited the Pope in Rome–milestones in her religious life.

Violeta was born on December 12, 1937 in Ivisan City, Capiz, Philippines to Alfonso Villanueva Legaspi, Sr. and Soledad Andrada Mendoza Legaspi. She completed her BS in Nutrition at Philippine Women’s University. In 1959, she married William Torillo Torres of Bayawan City, Negros. Together, they raised five children: Evelyn, Joycelyn, Lynette, Rowie, and Vincent. Violeta worked in the evenings while William completed his doctoral studies in Wisconsin. After William graduated, the family returned to the Philippines, where Violeta continued to find fulfilling work that would also supplement the family income. She was a resourceful worker with an impeccable work ethic.

Faithful, giving, and caring, Violeta’s generosity towards loved ones was bountiful, and included extended family members whom she welcomed into the family’s home. But Violeta’s true pride and joy were her children and grandchildren, whom she loved and cared for throughout their lives, often sacrificing time and resources to provide the support they needed. She took pride in their accomplishments and prayed for them consistently. She was a constant presence and a witness to both their struggles and successes.

Violeta was also sassy, spirited and feisty, never hesitating to assert herself and stand up for what she believed in. She was authentic and sincere: what you saw was what you got.

In the last few years of her life, Violeta gratefully received the care of family and professional caregivers. She relished the attention, often rewarding it with her sweet smile. Violeta loved to laugh as much as she loved a good story. She also enjoyed watching Filipino movies and variety shows on the Filipino Channel, especially Showtime and Maalaala Mo Kaya.

When her favorite games of mahjong, dominoes and bingo were on the table, Violeta became intently focused, excited, and alert, sometimes even showing her competitive edge. During the family’s later biennial Christmas reunions, Violeta would actively observe as the family discussed and debated, cooked and prepared meals, sang karaoke, danced, played card and board games, and wrapped Christmas gifts. Mom was still mom, though quieter: all heart, sweetness, and softness like a baby.

Violeta is survived by her five children and their spouses: Evelyn Lee and Christian; Joycelyn Taylor and Jeff; Lynette Torres; Rowie Torres and Angela; and Vincent Torres and Arabelle; and by her former husband, William Torres

She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brian, Abby, and Kevin Lee; Alexandra Taylor; Matthew, Ian, and Timothy Torres; and Samantha and Joaquin Torres; her great-grandson, Raiden Roque; and a soon-to-be great-granddaughter, baby girl Roque. Also left behind are her siblings and their spouses: Ronald Legaspi and Amelia, Theresa Fieschko and John, and sisters-in-law Romelia Legaspi and Gwendolyn Torres Allvin.

A nine-day novena of prayers and the Holy Rosary began on October 12, 2026 and concluded with a liturgical service on October 20, 2026, attended virtually by family and loved ones.

A viewing will be held at Hilgenfeld Mortuary, 120 E. Broadway, Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 from 3-7 pm.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, 2050 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 10 am.

Catholic burial rites will be performed at a future date in the Philippines, as per Violeta’s wishes.

The family requests that Mass cards and memorial donations be sent to Hilgenfeld Mortuary or to the children of Violeta.