Jan 18, 2025

Minerva “Minnie” Merida Diaz Torres, 94, a beloved resident of Hendersonville, NC, for over 40 years, went home to be with the Lord on the evening of Saturday, January 18th, 2025.

A woman of deep faith and devotion, Minnie was steadfast in her love for the Lord, her family, her church, and her friends.

 Minnie was known for her incredible work ethic, refusing to retire until the age of 80. She found immense joy in her role at Kanuga Conference, where she led the salad department for nearly two decades, forming bonds with her boss and co-workers whom she considered family. Alongside her late husband, Hector Torres, she also shared her passion for hospitality by opening a restaurant, introducing Cuban cuisine to the mountains of North Carolina.

 Over the years, Minnie was involved in numerous ventures, including owning a convenience store, and running a bar aptly named “Good Spirits.” She and Hector also managed Kelsy’s Restaurant together, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Her commitment to service extended to ministry, including her involvement with Camp Tekoa, where her grandchildren created cherished memories.

 An adventurous spirit, Minnie embraced life to its fullest. In her early 30s, she moved across the country from her birthplace in Puerto Rico to San Francisco, where she began her family. She traveled extensively, from California to Florida, New York, and beyond, always seeking new experiences. Even in her 80s, she loved day trips with friends, exploring the region by bus or train. One of her most cherished adventures was a trip to Ponce, Puerto Rico, with her two Western North Carolina-born grandchildren, where she shared her childhood memories and introduced them to an entire side of their family.

 Minnie was a devoted and loving wife to her late husband, Hector Torres, whom she cared for in their home until his passing on April 15th, 2016. She is survived by her loving son, Andrew Torres and his wife of Hendersonville; her grandson, Andrew “Drew” Torres of Austin, Texas, his wife, Sinead, and their three beautiful children; her granddaughter, Renee Torres-Case of Mill Spring, and her husband, Jacob Case. Other family members in New York, Florida, and Puerto Rico include her brother Gil, her sisters Edith and Tata, stepson Tico and several nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply as well as several local in-laws and extended family and friends whom she cherished deeply, and also her closest friend of over six decades, Elvira Olmo of San Francisco, California.

 Her legacy of love, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew her.

 A memorial service will be held Sunday January 26, 2025 at Hendersonville First Methodist Church at two o’clock in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Minnie’s name to the ZOE Missionary Ministry of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

Condolences may be sent to the Torres family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.