Mary Abelina “Billie” Tortorici, 78, of Bayou Vista, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016, in Webster, Texas. She was born August 5, 1937, to Genaro and Guadalupe Puente in Galveston, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Jared Kohler; her brother, Genaro Puente; and her sister, Mary Banuelos.
Billie is survived by her husband, Louis Tortorici; son, Michael Tortorici and Maria; daughter Dorie Pearce and Kevin; daughter Stella Kohler and Dan; son Lou Tortorici and Deanne; son John Tortorici; son Jim Tortorici; grandchildren Whitney Pearce, Tony Tortorici, Christian Tortorici, Henrietta Tortorici, Louie Tortorici, Isabella Tortorici, Mia and Mitchell Tortorici and their mother, Missy; 4 great-grandchildren; sister Rebecca Jones; brother Carlos Puente and Mary Esther; dear family friend and loving caretaker, Sue Garza; numerous nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.
Billie was a devoted wife to Lou for 59 years. She was a caring and loving mother to her 6 children and adored her 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Billie had a heart of gold and cared for her own mother who also suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Billie’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Tuesday, July 12, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home in Galveston. A celebration of Billie’s life will begin at 6:30 pm.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 13, at Sacred Heart Church with burial following at Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock.
Pallbearers will be sons, Michael, Lou, John, and Jim; son-in-law, Kevin; and grandson, Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Tony, Christian, and Louie.
Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Holy Family Parish, or the charity of one’s choice.