In Memory of Doña Ilia García Torres
Our dear Mrs. Ilia departed to dwell with the Lord in the midst of a feast, on July 4, 2022. This fact does not surprise us, as it was always her custom to leave her mark. As a hospital institution, we mourn her departure, but we will always be grateful for her legacy.
For those who did not have the privilege of knowing her, we will point out her trajectory as a great human being and her philosophy of action in the face of needs.
Doña Ilia studied in the field of Science and Art, where she demonstrated her leadership abilities, as she served as President of her 1951 Graduating Class of the University of P.R. She continued at the University of Houston, Texas obtaining a Master's Degree in Science. But his inclinations for Art made him study Decoration and Design, where he also served as President of the College of Decorators and Designers of PR from 1978 to 1980.
Ilia's philanthropic career spans several organizations and institutions in the country, beginning in 1968, when she became president of the Arthritis Foundation, where she established a center to provide equipment for arthritic disabled people hospitalized at the Medical Center.
Her joining the Ladies Civic Club of Puerto Rico in the 80's, gave her the opportunity to serve, contributing her skills in social projects of great importance, mentioning some of them: the Center for Children with Learning Disabilities; the Dining Room for the Elderly at the Hogar Posada de Amor in the Playita neighborhood of Villa Palmeras; assisted with the delivery of equipment and medicines to patients at the Medical Center and the San Juan Municipal Hospital; collaborated in the delivery of equipment, clothing, food, furniture and medicines to 8 public residences; was an integral part in the rehabilitation of the physical facilities of the Center for Children and Young Adults with Drug Problems, located at the Medical Center, belonging to AMSCA.
At the Pediatric Hospital, he collaborated in the purchase of equipment and material for the Intensive Care ward, in the remodeling of the Neonatal Intensive Care, Surgery and Burns areas and in the construction of the Pediatric Nephrology Center. Assisted in the design and construction of the School Center for Children with Down Syndrome; the delivery of medical and therapy equipment for children residing at the Children's Hospital; assisted children in the San Juan Head Start program; cooperated with the Hospicio Santo Cristo de la Salud project for terminal AIDS patients. She collaborated with the "Nacer" project, which consists of young pregnant women where they are given the opportunity to study up to the fourth year, whose organization also offers child care services. This motivated her to establish the "José Ramírez Scholarship", in honor of her husband. in honor of her husband, for the student with the highest grades.
In early 2000, Doña Ilia was diagnosed with cancer and was treated at the Dr. Isaac González Martínez Oncology Hospital of the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer, which marked a total change in her life, as it created awareness of the needs of this hospital and the patients receiving services. This was the driving force that moved her energies and efforts to work intensely for the achievement of the objectives and mission of the institution, being a member of the Board of Directors, becoming President from 2008 to 2012. During her presidency on the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer, she is credited with the reconstruction of the lobby area, together with the Ladies Civic Club; the restoration of the Imaging Center; the acquisition of new stretchers, a bariatric bed for the Operating Room; the remodeling of the Chemotherapy Room; changes in CT Scan, MRI and Bone Densitometry machinery, among others.
In 2009, the "Second Diplo Walk" was held, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great comedian, Ramón Rivero, with the character "Diplo", who carried out the First Walk for a Cause in 1953. On this occasion he was joined by another great comedian Raymond Arrieta, today known as "Da Vida Caminando con Raymond".
Doña Ilia García Torres was the recipient of numerous awards and well-deserved tributes:
- 2016 House of Representatives of Puerto Rico and the Senate of Puerto Rico
- 2014 Medal of Excellence in Service of the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer and its Hospital
- Oncology Dr. Isaac González Martínez
- 2010 Felisa Rincón de Gautier Foundation's "Distinguished Woman" Award
- 2008 Beatriz Lasalle Award for Service Excellence of the Altrusas Club of San Juan
- 2004 Image of Excellence Award for Exemplary Living
- 2003 Recognition by the Fundación Puertorriqueña Síndrome Down (Puerto Rican Down Syndrome Foundation)
- 1999 Recognition by the University Paediatric Hospital
- 1993 Woman with Image 1993 by Casiano Communications
- 1993 Golden Coqui awarded by the American Women's Union
- 1989 AMSCA Award
- 1989 Acknowledgement by the Children Who Want to Smile Foundation
The Great Family of the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer and its Dr. Isaac González Martínez Hospital and Oncology Centre are proud to have had the privilege of having Doña Ilia García Torres Viuda de Ramírez.
A great servant from San Lorenzo with such high levels of empathy for her fellow human beings.
We will always remember her for her great joy and positivity, because for her nothing was impossible.
SEE YOU LATER DEAR COLLEAGUE
