Catalina Waters

Waters, Catalina, 82, passed away Saturday, December 16th, 2023. She was born March 20th, 1941 to Moises Torres y Colon and Cruz Ana Acevedo y Loperena in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Many friends and family knew Catalina by the name, “Nellie”. Catalina loved her family. She learned to speak English as an adult and although she was raising four young boys, she successfully passed the Kansas State Cosmetology Board test in English. She did all this while her husband served in the US Air Force and spent three year-long tours in Vietnam and South Korea. In her career as a licensed cosmetologist she enjoyed her diverse clientele. She loved adventure and travel and as a military spouse, she lived in Guam, England, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines before settling in Kansas. Gardening was a favorite hobby and she grew a variety of fruits and vegetables. Antiquing and collecting religious icons was a favorite hobby. As an avid bowler, she won many bowling trophies. She was an excellent cook of authentic Puerto Rican dishes. Embracing the Puerto Rican culture, it would not be unusual to see her dancing with her castanets. She was a devout Catholic and found great solace in her faith.

Preceded in death by first husband, Andrew Simmons; second husband, George Waters; son, Michael Simmons and sister, Juana Chapple. Survivors include her children, Charles Simmons, Lester (Shirley) Simmons, Patrick (Kimberly) Simmons; 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Rosary is 10:00 am Friday, December 22, 2023, followed by a 10:30 am Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2300 E. Meadowlark Derby, KS 67037.

Memorial contributions may be made to Phoenix Hospice, 3450 N Rock Rd, Bldg 200, Suite 213, Wichita, KS 67226.