Raquel Torres, 73, of Livingston Manor, passed away on August 30, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.

Raquel was born on March 6, 1951 to Candida and Eduardo in Puerto Rico. They soon relocated to Upstate NY, which became her home for life. She left school at a young age to help raise her many siblings but returned to her studies as an adult, completing her GED and receiving her Associates of Arts from Sullivan County Community College in 2002.

After graduating, she continued to work as a social worker. She loved helping her clients and their children.

Raquel had the greenest thumb. Any plant she touched would thrive under her love and care. She loved tending to her plants and flowers. She loved birdwatching and being by the water. Camping and picnicking were also her favorite, anything that would allow for quality family time. Raquel also holds the unofficial title for the best cook on the planet.

She is survived by her mother, Candida David, her daughters Patricia VanVynck, Rebecca DeJesus and Teresa Dejesus, her siblings Ed David, Daniel Meletiche, Johnny Meletiche, Adoración Meletiche, Felix Meletiche, and Mary Meletiche, and her pride and joy in life: her grandchildren. Grandkids oldest to youngest: Samantha VanVynck, John VanVynck, John McGrath Jr., Jacob Wolkoff, Samuel Wolkoff, Isabella Ward, Mikayla Metro-Tuttle and Thomas Metro-Tuttle.

Her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Raquel in the summer of 2025, per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you plant a tree or flower in the earth in her honor.

Arrangements under the care of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home, for further information call 845-439-4333 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com