Janice Ann Torres

On February 15, 1951, the late James and Mary Aiken were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. They named her Janice Ann Aiken. She was the 1st of 5 children. James and Mary loved her dearly. They instilled in Janice and later her siblings (Allen, Marsha, Jerome and Curtis) a thirst for knowledge, and a deep love for family and God. Janice was an apt student of these principles and served as a shining example throughout her life. Educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, Janice attended Alexander Hamilton Elementary School, Calverton Junior High School, and Merganthaler Vocational School (Mervo). She was a good student and well liked by her teachers and fellow students. At the age of six (6) Janice declared that she would become a nurse when she grew up. Even as a young child, Janice would sit quietly at home and flip through medical books (with pictures). Fast-forward, Janice entered Mervo and chose Nursing as a concentration. There she became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She went on to become a Registered Nurse, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Business Degree (On-Line) from Phoenix University. Janice was an excellent nurse. Early in her career she worked as a Community Health Nurse for the Baltimore City Health Department in the Personal Care Program, the School Health Program and the Geriatric Health Service Program (GHS).She was promoted from School Health Nurse to Supervisor in the Medical Assistance Personal Care Program (MAPC) under the Division of Adult and Geriatric Health Services (GHS) and retired as the Director of the Division in 2010. Janice served as a Nurse Consultant with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) until she retired in 2017. She was a member of the Maryland Nurses Association, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Even after retirement, Janice enjoyed attending monthly luncheons with former coworkers from the Health Department. Paraphrasing the consensus of those who knew Janice in the work world is as follows: she knew her craft, she was very popular and full of life. Janice was the same person regardless of rank or position. She was an inspiration to many even while going through her own personal health challenges. Family was everything to Janice. She was “The Big Sister” and was very serious about her role. She loved all her siblings dearly. She was not only sister but also Godmother to Jerome who would “hang out” with her frequently. According to Jerome, Janice played an integral part in his upbringing. Janice selflessly assisted in the care of her aging parents and her sister Marsha. After they transitioned, Janice became the “glue” that held the family together. On Friday, October 13, 1972, Edwin Torres was at the Elgin Lounge in Baltimore City when he noticed Janice from across the room. Even though Janice was with Life Reflections her mother Mary, Edwin could not ignore the fact that he thought Janice was very attractive. So, Edwin swallowed his pride and found the nerve to approach her. He found Janice to be very nice, engaging and easy to talk to. Two days later, Edwin ran into Janice again while she was on her way to St. Ambrose Catholic Church. This marked the beginning of many “fruitful conversations.” On September 26, 1974, Janice Ann Aiken became Janice Ann Aiken Torres. She remained devoted to her husband until her transition. His family became her family. Janice assisted her husband in caring for his mother despite a language barrier. She would tell vivid stories about trips to Puerto Rico to visit Edwin’s family such that the listener would be ready to “book a flight.” Out of their union was born one child, a beautiful daughter, Trina Torres Smith. Trina in turn blessed Edwin and Janice with a wonderful grandson, Ethan Torres Smith. Both Trina and Ethan filled Janice’s heart with many years of joy. One could not engage in a conversation with Janice without getting a “life in the world of Ethan update.” Janice was raised in the Catholic Faith. She received her First Holy Communion at St. Edwards Roman Catholic Church. Her membership of seventy (70) plus years ended only because God had a greater plan. Throughout her lifetime, Janice faced many trials, tribulations and fought many battles. Instead of breaking her, these challenges increased her love for the Lord. She was a devout Catholic. She attended Mass regularly and served as Lector. She made it a point to listen to Mass every day. During her tenure as a church member, she contributed in various ways, but her term on the Finance Committee was particularly fulfilling. One of her favorite pastimes was to visit The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes several times a year for spiritual renewal. Janice’s love for God greatly affected her outlook on life and the wonderful way she addressed family, friends and business associates. Her spirituality was infectious. She could see “the God” in every situation and could convince the most pessimistic person to view circumstances through a “new lens.” She was non-judgmental. Although she leaves a void in the hearts of many, her legacy on earth is the gift of love. Janice leaves to cherish the memories of her life and expressions of her love: her husband, Edwin Torres; brothers, Allen Aiken (Ruby), Jerome Aiken (Karen) and Curtis Green Sr.; daughter, Trina Torres Smith (Mike); grandson, Ethan Torres Smith; nephew, Curtis Green Jr.; nieces, Kia Aiken and Monique Green; greatnephews, Mooco Myers, Pharoah Myers, Kamil Myers; grand-doggie, Bentley Smith; grand-kitty, Ginger; along with a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Preceding Janice in death are her beloved parents James and Mary Aiken; motherin- law Isabel Torres Santiago; and sister Marsha Aiken. Submitted with love, admiration and gratitude, Family and Friends

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Janice Ann Torres

February 15, 1951 - October 22, 2024