Drita K Perkins

It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Drita Kokalari Perkins, passed away on November 28, 2016. Both visitation and funeral services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield, with the viewing on Sunday, December 4, 2016, and funeral services held Monday, December 5, 2016, at 2pm.

Drita was born on March 3rd, 1932 in Gjirokastër, Albania, to Miko and Makbule Kokalari. She came to America in 1937, and spent her adolescence in New York. She was bright, vibrant and creative and had a successful career in the fashion industry before marrying John L. Perkins, of Mt. Pleasant, Texas in 1951 and moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico. They had three children, Judy, Deborah, and Gary, and moved to Bakersfield in 1964. Drita was a dedicated wife, loving mother, and was fiercely loyal to her family and beloved country, Albania. She was an active member of both her church and city community. In her spare time, she knitted hundreds of beautiful items for friends and family, was an avid reader and movie buff, and was renowned for her delicious Albanian cooking. Everyone who knew her will remember her quick wit, lively conversation, love for politics, easy laughter, and her abundant generosity. She will be missed immensely.

Drita is survived by her sister Lee, her brother Albert, her children Judy, Gary, and Deborah, as well as her grandchildren Kristen, Suzanne, Jonathon, and Lauren, great-grandchild Brayden, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband John, her parents Miko and Makbule, her sister Sabet, and her brother, Wilson.

Memorial donations may be made to either the American Stroke Foundation or the surviving family, care of Judy McNally, which shall fund the rehabilitation of the Musine Kokalari House in Albania. Information to follow on the Hillcrest Memorial web page for Drita Kokalari Perkins.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.