Simply CremationObituaries
Maria Inez Torri
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Inez Torri, she passed away in the comfort of her home in Surprise Az on Feb 14th, 2022.
She is survived by her husband Ken Torri, son Allen Ray, and granddaughter Tyler Ray.
She was born in Dumas Texas to Estanislado and Dolores(Guevara) Martinez on 8/15/1950. She married Ken Torri in Positano Italy on May 25th, 2018. She had two previous marriages.
She had an accomplished career in Radio Media, managing several stations, Home Loan Processing, and her career love, Real Estate. She spent most of her time helping folks make it through the transition of buying and selling their property. She practiced real estate in Northern California, primarily in Placer and bordering counties and also in Arizona. She had a love for dressing very stylishly, loved shoes and shoe shopping. Her large gorgeous eyes and pretty smile melted everyone’s heart. She was a very gracious and generous lady, always giving something to someone in need or who had done a good deed. Giving was her greatest delight and did so unconditionally.
May she spread her joy and love in the Lord’s Kingdom.
Mackenzie Grant
Mackenzie Grant, 81, of Peoria, AZ passed away on February 24th, 2022 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Born on January 27th, 1941 to Alexander and Isabella Grant in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mackenzie would go on to travel the world and work as a highly respected and much-loved executive in the airline industry for nearly half a century.
In the 1960’s Mackenzie began his career with storied carriers SAS and British Caledonian in the UK (where he was one of BCal’s founding employees); Northeast Airlines (Yellowbird) in Nassau, Bahamas; and Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong. He had a tireless love of the industry that took him far, a legendary work ethic, and an infectious sense of humor and fun that endeared him to his colleagues and employees. He went on to many high-profile roles, including VP Western US at British Caledonian, at British Airways, and finally at Virgin Atlantic – first as VP Western US, then Senior VP North America, Country Manager for South Africa, Head of Africa and India, and Head of Asia Pacific.
Mackenzie was as adventurous as he was fun-loving. He had a wide variety of interests and a curiosity about every aspect of life, and was always ready to experience new things: cuisine, activities, people, or places. He was an avid biker and swimmer, and learned to play pickleball at 79 years old! His kindness, positive attitude, and enthusiasm made the lives of all those around him easier and brighter. He was always there for friends and family in need, and he showed bravery and determination in the face of his diagnosis and throughout his treatment. Mackenzie was a true Scotsman and gentleman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kiyoung (Kay) Hong Grant, his two children Calum and Alyssa Grant, his elder brother Lewis Grant, and twin brother Morrison Grant.
A celebration of Mackenzie’s life will be held in Peoria, AZ and online in March. Condolences for the family may be left here.
Barbara Johnson
Barbara Johnson passed away on February 15, 2022, at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise.
Barbara was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island in Malverne, NY. She met her first husband, James Crozier, in 1951 on a blind date in NYC and married in 1952. They lived briefly in Germany where Jim was stationed in the US Army. then in Oklahoma, before settling in North Carolina where her two children, Susan and Ralph were born. In 1960, the family settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The marriage ended in divorce in 1967. Barbara married a second time and divorced, continuing to live in Fort Wayne until 2008. She moved to Reston, VA to live near her daughter, son, and grandsons, and in 2013, moved to PebbleCreek to live near her daughter.
Barbara was initially reluctant at first to move to “lizardville” recalling times in Oklahoma where she was bitten by a scorpion but to her delight, found a loving circle of friends from Sit & Stitch who greatly enriched her life.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan, and her husband, Bill, and by her son, Ralph, and his wife Lori and their two sons, Stephen and Michael.
Barbara loved being a mom and grandma. She made sure her kids and grandsons knew how much she loved and believed in them. She loved dressing well, accessorizing and talking to people. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
No ceremony is planned. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014 https://www.hov.org/donate/
Debora “Debbie” Ortega
Ms. Debora Ortega, 58 of Goodyear, Arizona died January 31st, 2022 in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born March 4th, 1963, to Manuel Ortega and Reinalda Ruiz in Los Angeles, California.
She is survived by her sister, Delilah Picazo (Pete); her brothers: Manuel Ortega, Basilio Ortega, Rene Ortega, Daniel Ortega, Tom Ortega, and Mark Ortega; as well as, Julia Picazo, Angelina Picazo, and many others.
Debora had many things she loved in life, including flowers, cats, and the color orange. She had a very feisty disposition, and stuck to her routines, never changing them. Her family lovingly referred to her as the “maintenance supervisor,” as Debora always made sure to mention if there was something out of place, that could be cleaned, or fixed better. She could never tire of eating her favorite Mexican food dishes, salsa, and a can of soda.
She loved to swing, and when her loved ones had tried to teach her, she figured it out on her own. She was often mistaken for being the younger sister, with her playful ways, and youthful demeanor. Debora was able to learn some American sign language through her time at the local adult center.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Ortega, and Reinalda Ruiz.
Debora will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to have been in her presence.
