Maria Valdespino Perez

Maria Valdespino Perez was granted her angel wings on January 10, 2013 at 89 years of age. A member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Paso, Texas, she was a woman of deep Catholic faith and devotion. She was content in her final days, surrounded by family and friends that she had touched in some way throughout her very memorable life.

Born June 1923 in Orogrande, New Mexico, she attended various El Paso schools, graduating from Bowie High School in 1943. Later, she married Pablo H. Perez, a WWII veteran who twice received the Purple Heart in addition to the Bronze Star and other citations of valor. During his Tour of Duty, she worked in an aircraft factory in Los Angeles and upon his return, began working as a saleslady at the downtown Popular Dry Goods Store from which she retired after 35 years.

She and her husband were married for over 60 years, raising 4 children in the Altura Heights neighborhood. Today her children, all living, include two nurses, a lawyer and a retired School District Administrator, serving as a testament to her emphasis on education.

Mr. Perez predeceased her on March 29, 2006 and Maria continued her role as the matriarch, providing support. Maria’s life would seem too short to many who are asking for “just one more day” with her, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Although she was of strong character, her gentle smile and religious nature brought so much joy to her family, reminding them of how precious life is and the importance of maintaining good values and a relationship with God.

Maria is survived by her loving children, Hector Perez with wife Irene of El Paso, Ida Alferez of San Antonio, Martha Guzman with husband Jesus of Dallas and Rogelio Perez with wife Clara of Houston. Her grandchildren are Linda Nadler with husband Jim of Houston, Tony Alferez of San Antonio, Ana Alferez-Hopton with husband Steve of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Monica Ida Guzman of Brooklyn, New York, and Marisa and Danny Perez of Houston. Her great-grandchildren are Michael and Anderson Nadler, Erin and Alan Helt and Harley Hopton. Visitation will be held 5pm to 9pm Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Martin Funeral Home Central with a 6:30pm vigil. Funeral Mass will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 18, 2013 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow to Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home Central 3839 Montana Ave. www.FunerariaDelAngel.com