Obituary of Elizabeth Marie Torchio

Elizabeth Marie Baldwin Torchio {aka Betty or Liz} passed away on March 8, 2013, at home in Capitola, CA with family by her side. She was 90 years young. She was born in Santa Cruz, CA on June 2,1922, to Sarah Ellen and Leander Baldwin. Elizabeth attended Bay View and Live Oak Elementry, Branciforte Junior High and graduated from Santa Cruz High School. She married Louie Torchio in 1948 Elizabeth was a telephone switchboard operator. She then worked for the Wired Music Co. of Santa Cruz in the 40's, Stokely's Cannery in the Seabright area, Woolworth's on Pacific Ave. and Horsnyder Pharmacy. Music was a great love and focus in her life. She played many instruments all by ear but her favorites were the piano and the guitar. Over the years, she brought much joy to her family and friends through her music. She also played at Elderday and local resthomes, where she volunteered throughout her later years. She served faithfully at the Angel Tree at the Capitola Mall for 15 years. She ran the Bingo and sing-a-longs at her place of residence for many years, right up to 2 weeks before she died. She grew up attending The Salvation Army Church of Santa Cruz were she was also a member of The Home League ladies group. In later years she was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Felton. She was a member of the Eagles Club and The Native Daughters of the Golden West. Last year she became a proud member of the 90+ Club at the Senior Center in Capitola. Elizabeth is survived by her three children, Ellen Torchio Ray (Clinton Ray) of Aromas, Barbara Torchio of Huntington Beach and Darrell Torchio (Sharon Torchio) of Santa Cruz. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Parents: Leander and Sarah Baldwin. Brothers: Arthur Collver, Ralph Baldwin and Howard Baldwin. Sisters: RoseElla Schlitt, Theodora Grubbs, Violet Tackett, Barbara Rush and Alda Grever. Her service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2013. A private interment for family and close friends will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz at 12:00 noon. There will be a celebration of life at The Salvation Army, 721 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz at 2:00 pm for all to join. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 721 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060