Norbertina Jimenez Torres

Norbertina Jimenez Torres, 91, passed away after an extended and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on May 21, 2026. Born on September 23, 1934, in Cartagena, Colombia, Norbertina lived a long and meaningful life devoted to family, education, and community.

Norbertina arrived with her husband, Francisco, and three daughters, Liliana, Claudia, and Constanza, in June 1969 and made their home in Plainfield, New Jersey. Norbertina went on to raise her daughters as a single mother and became an active member of the local Hispanic community. Norbertina served as an Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of the USA for 22 years, a role model and advocate for the advancement of black and Hispanic girls. Her deep and unwavering Catholic faith was a constant source of comfort and light throughout her life. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in North Plainfield, NJ, a church that she participated in, devoting her time to outreach for the local Hispanic community.

A true pioneer at the time in championing her voice in the representation of Hispanic immigrants acculturating to the language and norms of the United States. Norbertina learned to speak English and used her voice to advocate for fellow Hispanics who could not communicate in English.

She was highly educated and an ardent, devoted educator, earning a bachelor's degree in Cartagena, Colombia, and completing advanced coursework at Kean University. She worked for many years as a Montessori teacher in Cartagena, Colombia. Her compassion, patience, and dedication to her students left a lasting impact on many families and children throughout her career.

In her leisure time, Norbertina enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling, and was an avid reader. She often traveled with her family, returning to Cartagena, Colombia, for family visits to her parents, Marco and Norbertina Uriola, her eight brothers and sisters, America, Virginia, Judith, Roque, Moises, Marco, and Alvarro.

She valued learning and kindness above all else and will be remembered for her ambition, intelligence, gentle guidance, and devotion to those she loved. She took pride in her Colombian heritage and stayed in active contact with her family in Colombia throughout her life. She cherished the many friendships and relationships she built over the years.

Norbertina was the devoted mother of Liliana Torres, and her wife, Cheryl; Claudia Torres and her husband, Mark; and Constanza Torres. She was the loving grandmother of Corinna, Michael, Skyler Torres, and Dominick. She leaves dear family members and friends who will forever treasure her memory and the many lives she touched.

Nobertina will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to Scarpa Las Rosas Funeral Home, 22 Craig Place North Plainfield, NJ 07060.

A memorial mass will be announced at a later date.