In Memory Of (En Memoria De) Andy Torres

Andy Torres passed away suddenly on August 1, 2020. His light on this earth was as bright as his big smile. A devoted son and caring older brother, Andy was a kind, jovial spirit who brought tremendous joy to his family and friends. He was a member of over twenty organizations and clubs throughout high school and college, including the Legacy/MOSAIC show choir at Wheeling High School, where he was a natural performing on stage. He loved being social, making new friends, and trying new activities, which brought him much joy in life. 

Andy was also a brilliant student, ready to begin his sophomore year at the prestigious Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) as a Leadership Academy Scholar. Only 19 years of age, Andy had ambitious plans for a career in Civil Engineering.  In his own words, "My long-term goal as a civil engineer is to help as many people as I can in my profession by serving others on a wide level of outreach. I strive to give back and to benefit society globally, and my courses at IIT will help me do that. Civil Engineering will give me the opportunity to help construct the infrastructure needed in parts of Guatemala and El Salvador, the countries where my family is from. I want to create, innovate, and cooperate on projects that benefit many people. Making a positive impact in the world is my main end goal."

Andy was a gentle and giving soul. His early departure from this earth has left so many heartbroken, and his beautiful spirit will be greatly missed by all.

Andy leaves behind his loving mother and stepfather, Christine and Miguel Lagos, father, Jorge Torres, younger brother, Adrian Lagos, stepsister, Angie Lagos, grandmother, Rebecca Aragón, a baby sister due in November, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins that loved him greatly.

At this difficult time, we would like to support in the most fitting manner possible. For those looking to offer their support to Andy's family, we ask that you consider making a donation to this GoFundMe campaign, and encourage you to please share with your network of friends and family.

We realize that offering financial support to the Lagos family during this uncertain time may be difficult for some. Please know any amount is appreciated tremendously as we work closer to reaching our fundraising goal. Funds raised will be used to cover funeral, medical bills, and other related costs. Thank you.

Don't Cry For Me
Don't cry for me.
I will be okay.
Heaven is my home now,
and this is where I'll stay.

Don't cry for me.
I'm where I belong.
I want you to be happy
and try to stay strong.

Don't cry for me.
It was just my time,
but I will see you someday
on the other side.

Don't cry for me.
I am not alone.
The angels are with me
to welcome me home.

Don't cry for me,
for I have no fear.
All my pain is gone,
and Jesus took my tears.

Don't cry for me.
This is not the end.
I'll be waiting here for you
when we meet again.

by Deborah Garcia Gaitan

           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Andy Torres falleció repentinamente el 1 de agosto de 2020. Su luz en esta tierra era tan brillante como su gran sonrisa. Un hijo devoto y un cariñoso  hermano mayor, Andy tenia un espíritu amable y animado que llenaba de tremenda alegría a su familia y amigos. Fue miembro de más de veinte organizaciones y clubs a lo largo de la escuela secundaria y la universidad, incluido el coro de espectáculos Legacy / MOSAIC en Wheeling High School, donde era un actor natural en el escenario. Le encantaba ser social, hacer nuevos amigos y aprender nuevas actividades, y esto le daba mucha alegría en la vida.

Andy también era un estudiante brillante, listo para comenzar su segundo año en el prestigioso Instituto de Tecnología de Illinois (IIT) como alumno de la Academia de Liderazgo. Con solo 19 años de edad, Andy tenía planes ambiciosos para una carrera en Ingeniería Civil. En sus propias palabras, "Mi objetivo a largo plazo como ingeniero civil es ayudar a cuantas personas pueda en mi profesión sirviendo en un amplio nivel de capacidad.  Me esfuerzo por retribuir y beneficiar a la sociedad a nivel mundial, y los cursos en IIT me ayudarán a hacerlo. Ingeniería Civil me dará la oportunidad de ayudar a construir la infraestructura necesaria en partes de Guatemala y El Salvador, los países de donde es mi familia. Quiero crear, innovar y cooperar en proyectos que beneficiaran a muchas personas. Hacer un impacto positivo en el mundo es mi principal objetivo".

Andy tenia una alma gentil y generosa. Su fallecimiento inesperado  de este mundo ha dejado a muchos desconsolados, y su hermoso espíritu será extrañado por todos.

Le sobreviven su amorosa madre y padrastro, Christine y Miguel Lagos, padre, Jorge Torres, hermano menor, Adrián Lagos, hermanastra, Angie Lagos, abuela, Rebecca Aragón, una hermanita que esperan en noviembre, y varios tíos, tías y primos que lo amaban mucho.

En este momento difícil, nos gustaría apoyar de la manera más adecuada posible. Para aquellos que buscan ofrecer su apoyo a la familia de Andy, le pedimos que consideren hacer una donación a esta campaña de GoFundMe, y les pedimos que compartan con su red de amigos y familiares.

Nos damos cuenta de que ofrecer apoyo financiero a la familia Lagos durante este tiempo incierto puede ser difícil para algunos. Tenga en cuenta que cualquier cantidad es apreciada enormemente a medida que trabajamos más cerca de alcanzar nuestra meta de recaudación de fondos. Los fondos recaudados se utilizarán para cubrir funerales, facturas médicas y otros costos relacionados. Gracias.