Sandra Maria Torga

life story

So loved, so strong.

On August 1st, 2022, our world lost one very strong woman (una mujer muy fuerte) who was loved by many names - Sandra, Mami, Lela, Sandrita, Nany, Tia Nany, Ms. Sandy.

"Big hearted, forgiving, and insanely generous"

Sandra Maria Torga was born in San Cristobal, Pinar del Rio, Cuba on May 17, 1951 and immigrated to the United States as a teenager without her family, facing numerous challenges. Known as Nany, she was the youngest of six and the first to step foot on U.S. soil in 1969. Her family lost so much after the communist revolution, yet her pride in being a "Torga" was unwavering and she lived thinking how she could honor and protect her father's name. She loved the home she grew up in and hoped one day to reclaim it for the family. In 1980, she set off on a boat during the Cuban Mariel to rescue her father and mother and bring them to the U.S.

Sandra sacrificed herself for her children, family members, neighbors, friends, and even strangers. She always wanted to do more for others and constantly thought of others before herself, even during her last days. Whether it was advice, loyal friendship, or the very earrings she'd have on, Sandrita always gave freely, never hesitating to help someone in need. She was big hearted, forgiving, and insanely generous.

Indeed, she was "una gran luchadora" (a grand fighter) who survived many hardships and did the very best she could with the circumstances she was dealt. Resourceful and resilient to the end, she overcame many adversities and still gave wholeheartedly of herself to others - always hoping her experiences could teach and prevent others pain.

Sandra's "can do" attitude and strong work ethic was unmatched and inspiring. As a single mother, she often would come home from one job to change uniforms to head to the next. She always reminded people "Si, se puede" - "if others can do it - YES, you can". Regardless of a day or night shift, no job was too big or too small for this 4'9" powerhouse. She was intense - spoke loudly and called them as she saw them. Yet, it was her heart and her deeds for others that made her a giant.

She absolutely adored children and relished in being an abuela, her favorite nickname among many was "Lela" to Tony "ChuChu" and Santi. And although she only had two children "Miluca/Mimi" and "Perico/PJ", she loved talking about ALL her children. As a caregiver, Ms. Sandy genuinely cared for all the families that welcomed her into their homes, especially their children, and their elders. She saw it as a privilege to be entrusted by these families to care for their homes, their children, and their parents. She kept a running list along with cards and photographs of all "her kids" and "her viejitas".

As Mami, she showed unconditional love and unending hopes for her daughter and son.

Tia Nany knew everyone's birthdates and loved to be the first to call you on your special day. She never showed up empty-handed and was at the ready to share with you what she loved or what she knew was your favorite, like always keeping kiwis in her refrigerator for her nieces or tabasco for her son-in-law. She had a knack for telling detailed and vivid stories and when she walked into a room the party came to life - she danced, had costumes, and would even break out musical instruments.

She loved sending greeting cards and would often include encouragements and her pearls of wisdom. She loved to play games, especially Chinese checkers (playing her last game with Santi a week before her passing). She loved music, dancing, and the Reyes Magos (a tradition she held tight to and shared proudly with friends and family members). She thoroughly enjoyed decorating for holidays and hosting others in her home.

Although not very religious, she had incredible faith and would always say she wasn't alone because God was always with her. She was an intense prayer warrior, writing prayers on small pieces of paper and lighting candles for anyone she knew who was suffering pain and illness. Many would ask her to pray for their friends and family members because they knew she was steadfast in her devotion and prayers. Her faith sustained her through numerous difficulties including her 5 and a half year cancer battle.

Sandra lived her life with fierce independence and did things on her terms and in her own way.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose Manuel Torga and Clara Torga Santana, her sister Maria "Santa" Pozo, and her brother Fernando Torga. She is survived by her daughter and spouse Mimi and Antonio and her son Pedro Jose; her three grandchildren Anthony, Santiago, and Evelyn; her brother Jose and sisters Clara and Julia, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sandra who never slept more than a few hours a day is finally sleeping, resting in peace.