Miriam Perez

Miriam was born on October 1, 1944 to Rigoberto Hernandez and Felicia Milian of Mabuya, Cuba, and was the oldest of four children. At 18 she met Isvaldo Perez, who one day spotted her at a Havana home relaxing on a balcony. After asking for an introduction, the two soon married and in 1964 welcomed their first son.

In 1968 the young family departed their beloved Cuba on one of the so-called Freedom Flights arranged between the Washington D.C. and Havana. They resettled in Newark, New Jersey with the help of Catholic Charities and relatives who had previously relocated. Their second son arrived in 1972. Several years later Miriam and Isvaldo proudly became U.S. citizens, and they remained patriotic Americans all their lives.

Miriam and Isvaldo enjoyed entertaining large groups of friends and extended family, first in New Jersey and later in Miami. Their parties often included late night domino games, roasted pigs and plenty of cigars and dancing. Miriam was known for her exceptional Cuban cooking, fun-loving personality, and willingness to help out friends and family members whenever in need.

She especially enjoyed sewing and traveling, and looked forward to annual cruise trips throughout Mexico and the Caribbean with Isvaldo and some of their friends. Most of all, however, she loved doting over her sons and, later, her six grandchildren. Her home was full of their photos, as well as countless figurines of owls, which she adored.

Miriam lost Isvaldo on February 17, 2021 when he died suddenly, and she missed him every day. The two had been married 58 years at the time of his passing.

Miriam is preceded in death by her husband, parents and grandson, Brice I. Perez, of Dallas, Texas.

She is survived by her two sons, Isvaldo B. Perez, Jr. (Anne) of Dallas; Richard Perez (Michele) of Harrington Park, NJ; grandchildren Kalen I. Perez and Cameron J. Perez of Dallas, Gavin Perez, Brianna Perez and McKenna Perez of Harrington Park, sisters Maria Borges (Armando) of Sevierville TN; Pancho Hernandez (Mesalina) of Miami; Maida Hernandez of Mabuya, Cuba; and numerous cousins and other relatives both in the United States and Cuba.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Caballero Rivero Westchester Funeral Home in Miami. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on April 3, 2023 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Miami.