PAULA WYNN TORRES June 23, 1952 – April 2, 2015
Paula Wynn Torres, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2015.
Born in Minneapolis Minnesota, on June 23, 1952, Paula is survived by her brother, Griffith Torres, and parents James F. and Mary W. Torres of Berkeley, California.
As a child Paula lived with her family in Honduras, Brazil and Mexico, and became fluent in Spanish. A graduate of Beloit College, she received a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Paula taught in Minnesota and Taos, NM, and later through UNM became a nationally certified school psychologist and educational diagnostician.
She worked in that capacity with the Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Moriarty school districts, and the state of New Mexico, and belonged to the Board of the NM Association of School Psychologists. One of the few bilingual diagnosticians in New Mexico, Paula showed special affinity for Spanish speaking students from pre-school to high school. Noted for her fine assessments, she helped solve problems skillfully and compassionately for both students and parents. In retirement, she was a dedicated literacy volunteer.
Outspoken and blessed with a terrific sense of humor, Paula loved adventure, socializing and travel. Her tours included Italy, Spain, Wales, England, the Americas, China and Russia. During her marriage to Chris Earl Horley in the 1980’s Paula lived in Los Alamos and was an active member of the Los Alamos Mountaineers where she was up for just about any adventure; hiking, horseback riding, skiing, mountain climbing, paragliding or sailing.
A marvelous cook and hostess, Paula’s parties were famous for good food and fine wine and she enjoyed all manner of cultural events from tailgate opera picnics to studio tours to poker. Quick to respond in any situation, Paula was a wonderful friend in time of need. Her family and many friends will miss her vibrant laugh, quick wit and kind heart.
A memorial will be held June 6, 2015 in the Jemez Room at Santa Fe Community College at 11:00 a.m.
