Honoring the Life of Frances Torres

By Sheila Pérez Kindle

Posted April 9, 2026

Editor’s Note: The Weekly Issue/El Semanario dedicates this week’s edition to Frances Torres, a dedicated and passionate advocate for our community and the rights of Displaced Aurarians. We will follow up with details for a planned community celebration at the Peace and Healing Garden at Auraria.

L-R: Francis Torres, Secretary, Auraria Historical Advocacy Council and Displaced Aurarian; Sophia Imperioli; Virginia Castro, Auraria Historical Advocacy Council President and Sheila Pérez Kindle, VP Auraria Historical Advocacy Council, Displaced Aurarian. **(Courtesy Sheila Pérez Kindle)**

We are saddened to share that our dear friend Frances Torres has passed after a short, but courageous fight with pancreatic CA. As a Displaced Aurarian and member of the Auraria Historical Advocacy Council (AHAC), Frances was a fierce and tireless warrior, who strived to preserve the history of Auraria and the memory of 300+ families and a myriad of businesses who sacrificed their homes and lives for the sake of building an inner-city campus.

*Francis Torres, Auraria Historical Advocacy Council, Jay Alire, Sheila Pérez Kindle, VP Auraria Historical Advocacy Council, Displaced Aurarian.* **(Courtesy Sheila Pérez Kindle)**

We have been busy with many projects on the Auraria campus and with Frances’ help a resolution was passed in 2024, by the Auraria Board of Directors naming AHAC as the established organization representing Displaced Aurarians at the three educational institutions, University of CO at Denver, Metropolitan State University, and Community College of Denver, as well as Oversight of the Auraria Historic Corridor, including the 13 remaining homes/structures, the old St. Cajetan Church (now an event center) and the rectory at 9^th Street Park.

*Francis Torres, Secretary Auraria Historical Advocacy Council and Displaced Aurarian.* **(Courtesy Sheila Pérez Kindle)**

Frances led with compassion and unwavering dedication, she was warm, kind, generous, so funny, and full of life. There is so many great things to say about Frances, the accolades are too numerous and could fill many pages! After growing up in the old Westside, she studied at CSU, and received an MSW at DU. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, cousin, mother and such an amazing friend!

*Francis Torres, Secretary Auraria Historical Advocacy Council and Displaced Aurarian, on steps of St. Cajetan’s, Auraria Campus.* **(Courtesy Sheila Pérez Kindle)**

I’m honored to have worked with such a dynamic yet humble woman who made a huge impact in our lives! She left a legacy which will never be forgotten! ¡Que viva Frances Torres!

*L-R: Francis Torres, Auraria Historical Advocacy Council, Nancy Littleford, Eric Hernandez; and Sheila Pérez Kindle, VP Auraria Historical Advocacy Council, Displaced Aurarian.* **(Courtesy Sheila Pérez Kindle)**

We plan to celebrate her life by naming the Peace and Healing Garden for her and will continue to raise funds for AHAC to continue this very important work in the OLD WESTSIDE of Auraria.