Mashell Marie Torres

Mashell Marie Torres, 60, passed away on October 13, 2023 after a battle with cancer. Mashell was born on March 25, 1963 at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Nicknamed “Missie,” Mashell was a sweet, good-natured girl who enjoyed a loving childhood along with her younger brothers Beau and David in Lakewood Colorado. Her aunts Dorette and Nancy were especially influential during Mashell’s younger years, and they remained close throughout her life. In 1981, Mashell graduated from Bear Creek High School. In the years that followed, Mashell would meet and fall in love with Don Torres. Don remembers his first date with Mashell and how vibrant she was with her beautiful smile, big heart, and adorable laugh. They danced the whole night at a friend’s party and watched the sunrise together. On March 16, 1986, Mashell and Don married, and together went on to have two gorgeous daughters, Joselyn and Theresa. It was with Mashell’s family where her warmth and devotion truly shined. Always the affectionate and protective mama bear, Mashell was a natural caretaker. Mashell, Don, Joselyn, and Theresa remained a close-knit family with an added bond of eternal friendship. One of the most joyful qualities about their family to witness was the playful banter and silly laughter shared between them. Through great times and struggles alike, you could always count on Mashell to naturally provide a sense of calm and lightheartedness. During the last decade, Mashell’s life was further enhanced with the addition of three grandsons, Adrian, Anthony, and Roman. The boys were always on her mind, and constant beneficiaries of her affection and support. She even made it a tradition and priority to treat each grandson to his own special weekend trip or equally memorable experience. Mashell’s kindness, generosity, and positivity have enriched the lives of everyone fortunate to have known her. At American Family Insurance, where she demonstrated her tireless work ethic and enthusiasm for nearly 40 years, Mashell inspired the endearment and camaraderie of her many coworkers and loyal customers. She was compassionate in her thoughts and deeds, serving as a bone marrow and plasma donor, contributing to charities and fundraisers, and rescuing dogs from shelters. Mashell could see the good in anyone, and delivered her charm with her sweet voice and pleasant demeanor. As Theresa said of her mom, “She was the most generous, loving woman I’ve ever known.” We will remember Mashell first and foremost for being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. But there are so many years of wonderful memories that each of us are sure to recall today and never forget: her personally-tailored “Happy Birthday” songs that she would sing for family and friends; her delicious baking and knack for arts and crafts; her appreciation for wholesome humor and the occasion to dance; her contagious laughter; and her enjoyment of Hallmark movies. Mashell’s surviving loved ones include husband Don, daughters Joselyn and Theresa (Zachary), grandsons Adrian, Anthony, and Roman, mother Marsha Monger, father Fred Dannenberg and adoptive mother Bonnie Dannenberg; siblings Beau, David, Brenda (Bruce), and Jerry (David); aunts Dorette and Nancy; numerous cousins; the Torres family; and nieces and nephews from the Torres and Dannenberg families. We invite you to join us to honor the memory of Mashell on Saturday, October 28 at 11:00 am, at Horan & McConaty in Thornton, CO.