Esther V. Torres, 71, of New Bedford died June 17, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Manuel and Bertha (Mickelson) Swaye, she lived in New Bedford all of her life.
She was formerly employed as a teachers assistant at the Kennedy-Donovan Center for several years until retirement.
She enjoyed knitting, reading, watching the Boston RedSox and the company of her pets, Simon and "Shebee."
Survivors include her daughter, Marsha Torres of New Bedford; her longtime companion Charles Jardin of New Bedford; a sister-in-law, Thelma Swaye of New Bedford; a niece, Cathy Carlisle and her husband James of New Bedford; a nephew, Stephen Swaye and his wife Pamela of New Bedford; 2 great-nephews, Joshua and Benjamin and a great-niece, Katie; a special nephew, Tim Jardin of New Jersey.
She was the sister of the late Arthur Swaye.
Her visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 21st from 5-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Hawthorne Cancer Center, 535 Faunce Corner Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02747, attn. Leslie Gonsalves or to St. Luke's Hospital Philanthropy Office, 101 Page St., New Bedford, MA 02740 attn. Patient Care Services.