Daissy Yolanda Torres Tillapaugh, 80, of Urbandale, and formerly of Waterloo, died Monday, August 10, 2026, while at patient at MercyOne Des Moines. She was born on February 21, 1946, in Monto, Honduras, the daughter of Alvaro Chirinos and Juliana Torres. Daissy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in education and worked as a teacher for the Des Moines Public Schools. She married Stephen James Tillapaugh on June 29, 1968, and the couple was blessed with two children.

Daissy and Stephen met while Stephen was teaching at a college in Honduras. He was a member of the Peace Corps and teaching English, and she was a student. Stephen was mesmerized by Daissy, but she didn’t want anything to do with him for some time. Once they did begin dating, Daissy’s mother, Juliana, served as a chaperone. Daissy and Stephen were married in Honduras, and she was naturalized as a United States citizen in 1977.

Daissy loved gardening and her flowers were her pride and joy. She loved nature and enjoyed frequent visits to Seattle and the west coast. Since Stephen didn’t fly, their trips encompassed finding the scenic routes by car.

Daissy is survived by her husband, Stephen, of Urbandale; her children, Susan McFarland of Waterloo and James Tillapaugh of Seattle, WA; 3 grandchildren, Jordan Witbracht of Urbandale, Sydney (Shawn) Boehmer of Waterloo, and Jonah McFarland of Waterloo; 2 great-grandchildren, Greyson Witbracht and Beckett Boehmer; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Costa Avila and Eva Torres.

Funeral services for Daissy will be Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Locke on 4th St., 1519 W 4th St., Waterloo, with burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.