Mary Toni (Torres) Sorenson

Mary Toni (Torres) Sorenson, age 78, of Mt. Pleasant and Elkton, passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 26, 1947, in Elkton, Michigan, Mary was the daughter of Joseph and Josephine (DeHoyos) Torres. A proud graduate of Laker's High School, Class of 1965, Mary pursued her passion for helping others through education at Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, and Mid Michigan Community College, ultimately earning her nursing degree from Mercy.

On September 2, 1967, Mary married the love of her life, Norman Sorenson, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon, Michigan. Together, they shared nearly six decades of marriage, raising a family and building a life rooted in love, service, and community.

Mary's nursing career spanned decades and touched countless lives across Michigan. Her compassion, warmth, and tireless dedication led her to serve in a variety of hospitals and care settings, including Mercy Hospitals in Cadillac and Grayling, Cheboygan Hospital, Saginaw Hospital, Isabella Medical Care Facility, Central Michigan Community Hospital, Central Michigan College Medical Facility, Alma Masonic, American Red Cross and Mid Michigan Hospice Home Care across four counties. She also worked with physicians Dr. Ashok Vashishta and Dr. Steve Podolsky, and provided critical care and support through the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation program.

Mary's work went beyond the hospital walls. Alongside Norman, she was a community-minded entrepreneur. Together, they owned and operated several local businesses including two 7-Eleven stores, the region's first one-hour photo lab (Fast Photo Lab), Mt. Pleasant's first healthy dining restaurant (The Old Fashioned Place), and the Mt. Pleasant Health and Racquetball Club.

Mary brought warmth and joy into every space she entered. She had a gift for decorating, especially around the holidays, turning her home into a welcoming and festive gathering place for family and friends. A talented cook, she delighted in sharing both Mexican and American dishes, always serving up love with every meal.

She loved to travel — whether it was exploring the natural beauty of Northern Michigan, relaxing in the Caribbean, or visiting places like Hawaii, Sedona, and even Cuba. Each destination brought her a sense of wonder and joy, but it was the experiences shared with others that made those trips truly special. For Mary, travel was about more than seeing new places — it was about connection, memory-making, and finding joy in the journey. She simply loved being around people, and her warmth, humor, and caring nature left a lasting impression wherever she went.

Mary was preceded in death by her siblings Joseph J. Torres Jr., Carmen F. Torres, Josephine M. (Torres) Palmer, and Anthony J. Torres.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Norman Sorenson; their children, Paula M. (Sorenson) (Andrew) Starner and Kent Norman Sorenson; granddaughter Amanda G. (Francke) (Lucus) Carey; and her beloved siblings, Henry C. (Diane) Torres of Vero Beach, FL, Thresea (Robert) Stommel of Naples, FL, and Rosa J. (Wayne) Hall of Cambridge, Ontario.

Mary Toni Sorenson lived a life of purpose, generosity, and heart. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24 in the Lincoln Reception Center, attached to the Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home.