Lorenza Garibay

With hearts full of gratitude and love, our beloved mother, sister, and dear friend, Lorenza Bertha Garibay, age 71, entered eternal rest on December 16, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on September 1, 1953, in Mesquite, NM, to Anastacio and Quirina Torres. Bertha worked and retired from the State of New Mexico, and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Bertha was a beacon of strength, a pillar of the community, and a shining example of what it means to live with courage, bravery and unwavering determination. Her journey through life was not always easy, but it was her resilience in the face of adversity that truly defined her character. Bertha loved wholeheartedly and those who came to know her were held near and dear to her heart.

Bertha is survived by her father Anastacio V. Torres of Mesquite, NM; two children, son Manny Garibay (Steve) of Spanaway, WA; daughter Laura Garibay (George Gloria) of Las Cruces, NM; life partner of more than 28 years, Jose R. Martinez of Albuquerque, NM; sister Linda Aguilar (Cecilio) of Dona Ana, NM; sister Alicia Ferrales (Trinidad) of Salem, NM; brother Raul Anastacio Torres (Graciela) of Mesquite, NM; Lydia Marquez (Phillip) of Las Cruces, NM; sister Elvira Torres Vigil (James) of Mesquite, NM; Victoria Torres (Alfonso Dominguez) of Las Cruces, NM; sister Martha Stansbury (Garland) of Cedar Park, TX; brother Oscar Torres (Liza) of Las Cruces, NM; sister Hortencia Viramontes of Las Cruces, NM; and sister Ernestina Rivera (Andrew) of Las Cruces, NM, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bertha was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Quirina Martinez Torres; and her brother, Raul Torres.

At her request, cremation was entrusted to French Funeral & Cremations, in Albuquerque, NM. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral Parish, 1240 S. Espina Street, Las Cruces, NM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter. Inurnment of cremains will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue, Las Cruces, NM, where she will be placed at her final resting place. A reception will follow at Finley Hall, also located at 1240 W. Espina Street, Las Cruces, NM.