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In memory of

Philomena Rita Torma

Pontiac, MI, USA

April 11, 1923 - August 26, 2019

Apr 11, 1923 - Aug 26, 2019

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Philomena Rita Torma, a member of America’s greatest generation, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019, at the age of 96.

Philomena “Phil” was born in Wigan, England, the third child of 5 brothers and sisters, to Henry and Catherine (McEvoy) Cooke, on April 11, 1923. At six-months old, she made the journey over to the United States on the Montlaurier, with her mother, and two older sisters, where they were later reunited with their father who was a coal-miner in Chicago.

She spent her early years following her father from Illinois to Pennsylvania, ultimately planting roots in Highland Park, Michigan, where she attended Saint Benedict Catholic School, graduating in 1941. She was introduced to her future husband, Frank Torma, when he extended his hand at a local Belgium dance, and never let go for 51 years. When he was sent off to World War II, Phil worked for five years at General Motors, and several years later in the Medical Records department at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. However, her most satisfying and purposeful job was raising their seven children in Southfield, Michigan. During their retirement years, Frank and Phil spent time visiting family between Arizona, Ohio and Michigan, but later extended their roots to Cass City, Michigan, where they lived out their best years.

Phil was truly a remarkable soul. Her passion for life was fulfilled by the commitment she had for her Catholic faith; and the love she had for art, music, animals and her family. She impressed all ages with her knowledge of technology and her ability to stay connected with loved ones from all over the world. She was at her happiest when she could share a story with you from her past, teach you how to knit, or dance to a song that brought back some of her best memories. She was truly the glue that held a very large family, together.

She is survived by her children Jean Farrand, Phyllis Davenport, Brian Torma, Kevin (Sherrii) Torma, Maureen Torma, John (Jane) Torma and David Torma, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Mary (the late Andy) McGraw and Francis (the late Helen) Cooke. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband (Frank) and siblings Anne Cooke, Theresa (the late Leonard) Lewalski, and Vincent (the late Shirley) Cooke.

The passing of a woman, who touched so many lives and lived so openheartedly, is difficult to accept, but we are grateful for the years we were able to share with her. Her legacy, poems and ‘Wild Kingdom’ Facebook stories, will continue on for generations. The respect we have for her will forever live on, just as much as the unconditional love she shared with all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of life will take place in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the American Lung Association of Michigan - https://action.lung.org/site/…

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