Nadine Torregano was not a person who was concerned with praise, but praise followed her.  When members of the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE) gathered in Atlanta last August for their annual convention, they saluted Ms. Torregano for her outstanding dedication and service. 

The Coalition's tribute was a highlight of the NBCFAE Annual Awards Dinner; and it was emotional because Ms. Torregano was in the midst of a long and difficult battle with breast cancer.  The fact that she was able to attend the function was no small miracle.  At the time, she was quite sick from chemotherapy.  

The accounts of her struggles to perform her job despite her illness painted a compelling picture of Ms. Torregano as a fighter, but she insisted that her strength came from the prayers and encouragement of her co-workers, NBCFAE members, family and loved-ones.  She also credited Sisters Network, Inc. for helping her to cope with the disease.  Sisters Network, Inc. is an organization made up of cancer survivors that seeks to educate and assist African American women with breast cancer.  As part of their tribute, members of NBCFAE donated $3,000 to Sisters Network, Inc. in Nadine Torregano's name. 

On May 4, 2003, Ms. Torregano lost her three year fight with cancer.  Although cancer took Ms. Torregano's physical life, it was unable to diminish her spirit.  In addition to being a fierce fighter, Nadine Torregano was a remarkable women of faith.  She knew God and entrusted her health and well being into His care.

Ms. Torregano was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 20, 1957 to Albert and Dorothy King.  In recent years, she made Bedford, Texas her home and attended Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Fort Worth, Texas.  Whenever she returned to New Orleans, she attended Epiphany Catholic Church.

She was a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans and there she earned a bachelor's of science and a masters degree, both in mathematics.  Over the past 25 years, she was a devoted employee of the Federal Aviation Administration.  Prior to her passing, Ms. Torregano was Acting Air Traffic Manager for the Fort Worth Automated Flight Service Station in Fort Worth, Texas.  She was also a cherished member of NBCFAE, and an ardent supporter of Sisters Network, Inc.

It is often said that the measure of a person is not determined by their material possessions, nor is it based solely on their accomplishments, but rather the full measure of a person is determined by the lives he or she touches and the contributions he or she makes to the betterment of others.  Based on the tribute that Nadine Torregano received last August, her touch and contributions were enormous.

Nadine Torregano is survived by her daughters, Heather and Helaine; her grandson, Kaleb; mother, Dorothy; brothers Tyrone, Gregory, Bruce, Glenn, and Luther; and sisters, Elaine and Deborah, plus a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives.  

Individuals wishing to honor Nadine Torregano are invited to make a donation to the NBCFAE's NK Cancer Fund.  Teresa Mount of the NBCFAE is handling the fund and will provide additional information, as requested.  She can be reached at TMount7@cox.net.  

For more information about Sisters Network, Inc. please visit their website at www.sistersnetworkinc.org or call toll free at 866-781-1808, or send an E-mail to sisnet4@aol.com.