Obituary of Abel and Elvira Perez

Elvira Perez. Age 91 of Detroit.  January 18. 1930 - March 31, 2021

Abel Perez. Age 101 of Detroit. December 4, 1919 - April 13, 2021

Loving father and mother of Sally (Esequiel) Serratos, Salvador Perez, Rigoberto (Yolanda) Perez, Rosemary (Ricardo) Villarruel, Anita Perez, Grace Perez, Dolores (John) Jason, Elvira Perez, Cynthia Velazquez, the late Xavier Perez and the late Linda Perez.

Also survived by 20 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 20 great - great grandchildren.

Family Tribute

The Roman Catholic Church was the guiding light in every Perez Moment. 

Elvira Perez (Mom) and Abel Perez (Dad) met through their siblings, in Mexico.  They married on January 18, 1946.  Their first four born children, Celia (Sally), Salvador (George), Rigoberto (Ricky), and Xavier (Sam), were all born in Mexico.  

Looking for a better life, Mom and Dad headed north and landed in Detroit, Michigan. It was in Detroit, where they completed their family and added seven more children: Rosie, Linda, Anita, Gracie, Dolores, Elvira, and Cynthia.  

Most of us were raised in the first house our Dad bought on 18th street.  It was within walking distance to St. Anne’s church and of course, for our parents, it was important to live near a Catholic Church since neither one knew how to drive, and attending service every Sunday was a must.

Their strong faith as Catholics gave Mom and Dad the courage and strength to face many obstacles in their lives.  With 11 children, it could not have been easy.  

Dad was a butcher for many years until he retired. He didn’t care for the job much, but without an education he made it work. Dad worked hard to provide for his family and never accepted help from the "system". Mom and Dad made a great team and usually, worked well with each other.  

Mom was a full-time mother/homemaker, working overtime every day. She was known for her homemade tortillas and tamales, that were the best! Mom was the glue of the family and Dad knew it.  They complemented one another. Dad’s financial support and Mom’s nurturing were the ingredients for an almost perfect family. 

Mom and Dad enjoyed entertaining at their house. Mom had 4 older brothers (may they rest in peace) they would come over at least once a week to check in with her, which meant a lot to Mom.  

Most of Dad’s siblings lived in Mexico and rarely visited except for his brother, Tio Fernando. He would visit us at least once a year. 

As we got older our own families began to expand and we multiplied but always managed to spend time together for barbeques, holidays, quinceaneras, and other special family events. We shared so many great memories, celebrating Mom and Dad’s birthdays, Mother/Father’s Day, and their many anniversaries. All with an extended invitation to some tequila and mariachis! Dad loved to sing, and Mom loved to dance! They were the perfect match. 

Anyone who knew them knew they enjoyed their conversations on the front porch while admiring their beautiful flowers.  They both loved gardening and traveling.  One of their favorite places to visit was Las Vegas. They could spend hours in the casino, even if it was just enjoying the penny slots. They had so much in common. 

As they got older and spent more time at home, they enjoyed their time together by playing dominos or a card game called “pair and pair”. 

It was a few years ago that both Mom and Dad developed dementia, another thing they had in common. It was as if they were one.  Eventually, dementia took a toll on Mom, and on March 31st, God called her to rest. 13 days later, on April 13th, Dad was also called to rest. 13 days was all my Dad could bear to be without his beautiful wife, his queen, and his soulmate. 

Rest in Peace Mom and Dad. May you enjoy an eternal life of love and happiness together! They truly were and always will be El Rey y Reina de Familia Perez. 

They are survived by their children, Sally (husband Esequiel), George, Ricky (wife Yolanda), Rosie (husband Ricardo), Anna, Gracie, Dolores (husband John), Elvira, Cynthia, and late daughter Linda and son Sam, along with 20 Grandchildren, 44 Great-grandchildren and 20 Great-Great-grandchildren. 

Mom we love you, Dad we love you, you will truly be missed every day!