Mrs. Jennifer M. (Mezza) Torres

UTICA - Mrs. Jennifer M. (Mezza) Torres, age 62, was reunited with her mother and father after a long, courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, February 27, 2025. At the time of her passing, with her loved ones by her side, Jennifer was welcomed with open arms by the Lord. Born in New Hartford on August 5, 1962, Jennifer was the daughter of the late Charles “Chuck” and Marie T. (Villella) Mezza. She attended Utica City Schools and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1980. In her early years, Jennifer was a member of the Yankee Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps. Jennifer met the love of her life, Jose “Tony” Torres, and they were later married on October 8, 1988. Jennifer devoted her life to raising her two sons, Charles “Chuckie,” and Anthony Torres who were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed raising their family dog, Uno, who was with them for 14 years. Uno brought Jennifer so much happiness, and the two are now together again. At one time, Jennifer was employed at the Masonic Care Community of NY. She later began working for the Utica City School District in 2005 as a monitor team leader at General Herkimer Elementary School, where she was affectionately known by all as “Mrs. T”. Jennifer took pride in her job and had a close relationship with the children she cared for, as well as all her co-workers. Known for blowing her whistle, the children knew that something was wrong if it was going off! Jennifer looked forward to her special holiday parties with her work family. From an early age, Jennifer was well-known in her neighborhood, the Mezza house was the place to be. Her smile was infectious and always found humor in the silliest things. She made many wonderful memories with her children and friends during yearly trips to Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge and visiting her nieces at camp. In her later years, Jennifer relished spending time with her family, and her incessant cleaning is something they will never forget. Although they would see each other often, Jennifer spent much of her free time talking on the phone with her sisters. She deeply cherished family dinners and spending time with her two sons. The Torres house was always filled with snacks, and the pantry was always open, especially for her niece, Karissa. Jennifer was an avid fan of television and could not be bothered when “her shows”-Grey’s Anatomy, and Chicago Med, Fire, and P.D-were on! Although Jennifer was quite a homebody, she still made time to go out to dinner with her two best friends, MaryAnn, and Ang. One of Jennifer's most recent memories was when she had the time of her life at her son Anthony and new daughter-in-law Kristine's wedding. Jennifer was blessed that she was able to have her mother-son dance with her youngest child. Through the love and devotion of her husband, sons, sisters, and her brother-in-law, she received the blessings of each of them during her courageous five-year battle. On her last day of life, her wishes were shared with her siblings: that they continue to walk alongside her husband and her sons and any future family. Although Jennifer told them in her own special way, they already knew what their responsibilities were and provided Jennifer assurance that her wishes would be carried out. Jennifer is survived by her husband, Jose “Tony” Torres; sons and daughter-in-law, Charles “Chuckie” Torres, and Anthony and Kristine (Moskal) Torres; sisters, LuAnn Mezza, Gina Marie Mezza, and Margaret Ann (Mezza) and Joseph F. Cucharale, Jr.; nieces, Kali Cucharale, and Karissa Cucharale; a fourth sister and beloved family friend, Carol Lee Ferro; and many cousins. Jennifer will be deeply missed by her two “BFFS,” MaryAnn Nicotera, and Angela Valeriano. Her memory will also live on in the hearts of her co-workers and numerous friends. Jennifer was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary (Campanaro) Mezza; maternal grandparents, Carmine and Jennie (Costanza) Villella; and her beloved Bichon, Uno. Jennifer’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially nurse Crystal. A special thank you as well to Dr. Mary Cunningham and the entire staff of Crouse Medical who took care of Jennifer during her time of sickness. While our hearts are broken here on earth, we rejoice that Jennifer is finally pain-free, walking freely, and seeing clearly. We know that she is where we all aspire to be, in the presence of the Lord. She certainly has earned her rest. In keeping with her wishes, Jennifer’s family will honor and commemorate her life privately. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. This obituary was lovingly written by Jennifer's niece, Kali.

Mrs. Jennifer M. (Mezza) Torres

August 5, 1962 - February 27, 2025