Merlinda Espinoza was born Feb. 14, 1986, in Fresno, to Javier and Rebecca Espinosa. Her husband is Mikey Torres. She and her husband resided in Madera, and she worked for the Madera Unified School District.
At a young age, Merlinda showed an interest in singing and dancing. She participated in Folklórico for many years and was involved in Teatro de la Tierra with Patricia Wells and Agustín Lira.
Around 2010, she began singing at different venues in the Tower District. She wrote several songs herself and performed a variety of genres including Mexican traditional, rancheras, nuevo canción of Latin America, country, R&B, ballads and jazz, and she sang in a unique style in both English and Spanish.
She was also involved in teaching children about music and playing instruments.
Merlinda was a sweet soul filled with love and joy that she radiated to everyone.
She passed away on June 17 and is survived by her husband, her parents, sister Monica Silva and two nephews, Robert and Jacob, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
In Memory of Merlinda Espinoza-Torres
July 10
Visitation
4 p.m.–6 p.m.
Page Funeral Chapel
2014 Arrants St., Selma
Service
6 p.m.–7 p.m.
Page Funeral Chapel
2014 Arrants St., Selma
July 11:
Mass of Christian Burial
9 a.m.–10 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
2441 Dockery Ave., Selma
Graveside Service
11:10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Selma Cemetery District
2430 Floral Ave., Selma
