Maria C. De La Torre

Visitation Friday, January 9, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Funeral Saturday, January 10, 2026 Chapel Prayers 8:45 am from Wolniak Funeral Home 5700 S. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL. 60629

to St. Agnes of Bohemia Catholic Church 2651 S. Central Park Ave. Chicago, IL. 60623 Mass 10:00 am, Services conclude after Mass,

Interment Private

With profound and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Maria del Carmen De La
Torre, known lovingly as Carmen. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister,
comadre, and friend. Carmen entered eternal rest surrounded by love of her family,
leaving behind a legacy of marked kindness, laughter and unwavering warmth.
Born in Jacona, Michoacan(Mexico), her mother and siblings relocated to Chicago to
join Carmen's father when she was 13 years of age. Carmen was a gentle spirit with a
heart full of compassion. After three cherished years of courtship, Carmen shared 57
beautiful years of marriage with her husband Pedro (Ruben) De La Torre. Together, they
built a life rooted in love, raising three daughters- Marisela, Beatriz, and Rocio. These
three individuals remain beyond grateful for her endless support and guidance. Mrs. De
La Torre blessed her daughters with a flawless example of how to be an outstanding
mother and person.
Carmen's pride and joy extended to her beloved grandchildren- Matthew, Max, Reem
and Jose. She was present throughout every single milestone in their lives, an example
of her unwavering dedication to her family. She provided small acts of kindness that
made huge impacts on their lives, making sure that the world knew how much she loved
them. Her loving words "Maxito, how's the weather up there?" (an inside joke to
compliment Max's height) will forever be remembered.
For 41 years, Carmen served the City of Chicago and its police department as a
crossing guard, safely guiding generations of children across busy streets and into their
futures. Her work was not only a duty but a mission of care. For countless students and
neighbors, she was a friendly face, a guardian, and often the first smile they saw each
morning.
Carmen was preceded in eternal rest by her parents(Alfredo, and Josefina), and her
siblings(Bernardo, Gonzalo, Humberto, Antonio, and Alfredo Jr.). Carmen is lovingly
survived by her siblings Felisitas, Jose, and Pedro, who will forever remember her as
the kindest, warmest among them. She was someone who instinctively greeted
strangers as friends and could uplift spirits with nothing more than her presence. Her
warmth had no boundaries: she welcomed everyone, shared joy freely, and never
hesitated to share a picture along with a story about the family she loved so deeply.
Carmen lived a life of purpose, anchored by faith, fueled by love, and defined by
generosity. To know her was to feel seen, welcomed, and cherished. Though our hearts
ache in her absence, we are comforted knowing her legacy lives on in every life she
touched.
Her memory will forever remain a blessing.