VERA TRINCHERO TORRES
Vera Trinchero Torres, one of Napa Valley's most generous wine pioneers, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2014. She was 76.
Vera was born in New York City to Mario and Mary Trinchero. In 1948, when Vera was ten, the family purchased the Sutter Home Winery and moved to St. Helena, California. After graduating from St. Helena High School, Vera began a career as a legal secretary. Later she joined the family business and held key roles at Sutter Home Winery, including company secretary and overseeing the company's charitable activities, while raising her two sons, Anthony "Tony" Torres and Robert "Bob" Torres with her husband, Ray Torres. Vera and her brothers Bob and Roger worked together to build Sutter Home into one of the top-selling premium varietal wine brands in the U.S., and one of the preeminent success stories of the wine industry. Vera's two sons followed in the family footsteps, quickly becoming key executives in the organization.
As a breast cancer survivor and owner of the family-run business, Vera continued her dedication to the cause - helping raise more than $1 million towards the fight against breast cancer through the Sutter Home program. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts and service to the community, Vera was named Woman of the Year for the 2nd District of the California State Senate in 1996, and St. Helena Citizen of the Year in 1999. Trinchero Family Estates remains a family-owned, family-run business. Vera is survived by her sons Tony Torres, Principal and SVP Administration, and Bob Torres, Principal and SVP Operations; her brothers Bob Trinchero, Principal and Chairman, and Roger Trinchero, Principal and CEO; and her four grandchildren Laina, Michael, Mathew, and Julia.
"Our mother's generosity to the community was legendary, as a supporter of many causes benefiting people young and old." Her son Bob Torres noted, "She will be remembered for her philanthropy and for the way she lived life to the fullest – working, bringing up a family, and even dancing at winery and charitable events with her lifelong best friend, Mary (Torres) Scheel."
Her brother Roger Trinchero added, "She will be dearly missed by all of us. She was one of a kind."
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations are being accepted at the following websites:
Boys and Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga
We Care Animal Rescue
St. Helena Little League
A Vigil Service with Rosary will be held August 7th commencing at 7:00 pm. at the St. Helena Catholic Church
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said August 8th at 11:00 am at St. Helena Catholic Church.
Arrangements under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel FD 687, St. Helena, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 13, 2014
Susan Smith
How lucky I was to know Vera. When I think of her the words that come up are Genuine, Generoiusity,and Humor. Anyone that ever met Vera knew she was very special.
August 12, 2014
Helen Blevins
Vera was an amazing inspiration throughout her life. Her very big heart and her very witty jokes were always something to remember. I will always cherish the ones she sent to me (typed of course)! She will be missed and we know she will make everything bright in her new home. Rest in peace Vera you were very much Loved - keep them laughing!
August 11, 2014
Chris L
I never had the honor of meeting Vera but, I know her caring spirit helped influence one of the greatest places to work on earth. God Bless.
August 9, 2014
Jacquie Anson
I never had the opportunity to meet this wonderful lady but oh how I wished I had. I've heard nothing but great things about her. She will be missed by many. Even those who didn't have the pleasure of meeting her. She will always be a presense here in Amador at Terra d'Oro.
August 8, 2014
John Heflebower
Vera will be missed by all. She loved frogs of all types and had them everywhere in her world. One of my fond memories of her. John H
August 7, 2014
Adella Peters
From my Son Ryan Peters,
Vera was an amazing lady and I always had a lot of respect and admiration for her. Please send my condolences to the family. Ryan Peters
When my son graudated from college he was an intern for North Western Mutual Insurance. I, Adella Peters, had asked Vera if he could come and talk to her even though we knew she didn't need anymore insurance, Vera was kind enough to let Ryan stop by and hear what he had to say. He very much remembers and appreciated her kindness.
Vera will be greatly missed and I appreciate having had the honor to know her. She was easy to talk to and I loved her humor! She was truely one of a kind!
Sincerely,
Adella Peters,
QC Depatment
August 7, 2014
Wendy Nyberg
When I worked up at our Saint Helena office, I'd be greeted by Vera each morning. She always made me feel special and those warm memories will remain with me forever. She truly is One of a Kind!
August 7, 2014
Erma Weyandt
Vera had such a wonderful presense. I missed seeing her when our team moved from the Admin Bldg. When my dad passed, she asked me what my Dad's favorite cause was, and she sent a donation to the organization in my Dad's memory, it was a gesture I'll never forget - She spent a lifetime paying it forward. She made me feel like part of her family - the same as all the Trinchero's do.
August 7, 2014
When I gave Vera a copy of my book, in exchange she gave me a copy of hers. I have treasured it all these years. She was a very creative and interesting person, and leaves this world too early. My deepest sympathy to her family for their loss. ~Patricia Struntz
August 7, 2014
Rhina Jovel
I will always remember you, such a wonderful, honest and kind soul, I was blessed to have met you!
Many blessings to you and your family!
August 7, 2014
Michele and Sean Ashby
I will always remember Vera and her way of bringing so much love and laughter wherever she showed up. Always a smiling face at the beginning of the day and genuine interest in each person she greeted. It was an honor to have met you and have you in our lives, truly blessed to have had the time with you. Our lives forever changed by the generosity of your heart and spirit. We will miss you so much.
August 7, 2014
You will forever be the one that welcomes me to work in the morning...You have been and will be sorely missed. Thank you!
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