Joanne “Jo” Marie Cullen Torrens, 73, of Decatur, Ill., died of cancer Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, in her home with her family by her side.

Jo was born July 2, 1936, in Red Wing, Minn.She was adopted by Dr. Vern and Augusta Cullen who raised her in Austin. She married Vern C. Torrens on Jan. 14, 1956 in Nashua, Iowa. Later in life she was blessed to find her biological parents Bruce and Grace Regan, brother Bud and sisters Connie and Patricia all living n Southern California. While raising her four sons she also worked at the University of Minnesota and Richland Community College before retiring. A fabulous cook and homemaker, Jo was known best for the unconditional love and friendship she gave to her family and friends. Summers spent “Up North,” sunbathing and with her dogs gave her great joy. Above al1, she cherished time spent with those she loved.

Jo is survived by her husband Vern C. Torrens; sons Scott R. (Sally) Torrens of Valencia, Calif., Steven J. (Angela) Torrens of Rocklin, Calif., Jay R. Torrens of Decatur, Ill., Jeffrey C. (Kristin) Torrens of Schaumburg, Ill.; granddaughters, Kristina, Emily, Rachel, Julia, and Kara; grandsons, Trevor and Sam; nieces and nephews; her sister Patricia Sigler; sisters-in-law Joann Regan, Shirley (Jerome) Permann; brother-in-law James (Carol) Torrens; special family friends Scott Ellison, Lee West, Aaron West, Judy Brown and Louise Cooper.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her biological parents; her brothers Bud and Larry; and her sister Connie.

Services to celebrate her life were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Decatur, Ill. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin with the Rev. Karen Behling officiating. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Richland Community College Foundation or First Lutheran Church.