Joseph Luis Perez

Joseph (José) Luis Perez, 77, was born in Mexico on October 14, 1942, and entered into eternal life on October 16, 2019. At the age of two, Pepe, as he was called, came with his family to Chicago. He grew up embracing both the new opportunities that accompany immigration to a new land and facing limitations that come from its inequities and unfairness.

Joe and his family enjoyed the programs and support of Hull House. He especially loved summer camp, and when a teen, became a camp counselor. Hull House Camp taught Joe how to help and have fun with kids; the importance of songs, stories, and campfires; how to love nature and the joy of working with others in common purpose. Joe was senior class president at Cooley High, the 3rd high school that he attended. Joe would later earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Philosophy from Illinois Institute of Technology, the 3rd university he attended.

He met Susan, his wife of 52 years, at St. Mel Grade School where they taught. They were married on December 30, 1967, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where the temperature was a mere 40 degrees below zero. They built a family including Christina (Arturo); John (Michelle) and children Maya, Jonathon, and London; Daniel (Stephanie) and children Stevie and Soleil; Mary Rose (Nicholas) and children Olivia and Elena. Joe’s brothers and sisters are Lilia (Luis), Yolanda, Arturo, Maria (Joseph), Alfred (Jean), and Carlos. Joe nurtured his own children, many nieces and nephews and their children, as well as the children of friends and neighbors. He delighted in family and cherished his “Grampa” status.

Joe anchored his life in family and the St. Giles Family Mass Community. From here he set his eyes on the world. He worked at People’s Energy in Human Resources and Community Relations for 25 years and for another 10 years in Human Resources at South Shore Hospital. He had a strong sense of social justice and was deeply involved in the community. Joe was a founding member of Donor’s Forum, assisted in the development of St. Augustine College, and provided leadership and assistance to Casa Central and Hogar del Niño. He served on the boards of Catholic Charities and Call to Action. Joe sang with the Community Renewal Chorus and enjoyed concert tours to Europe and Central America. Over the years he participated in many marches and protests – such as a peach march to the UN, support for migrant farm workers, and for peace and self-determination in Latin America – especially Mexico and Cuba. In one of his last conversations he expressed worry for the future of all our children.

Joe loved camping, fishing, poker, Scrabble, Dominoes, telling and writing stories, da Bears and da Sox, movies, travel and the stars at night. He loved Lake Michigan and his home on its shoreline. It thrilled him to share that home with family, friends, and the larger community. He provided hospitality and space to many including groups ranging from Voice of the Faithful to the Red Hat Ladies.

In 2009, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and given up to two years, but cancer cells met their match in Joe. His newly constructed bladder required him to catheterize through the navel every four hours. Chemo, radiation, countless procedures, infections, endless tests and doctor visits became routine but could not dampen his zest for life. He continued to travel. He was known to depart on an over-booked flight to garner a ticket for his next adventure. Summer 2018 saw him journey to Mexico City to witness the presidential election. He returned home excited and filled with hope for the people of Mexico. The trip proved to be difficult for him and daughter and brother who took him, but nothing would keep him from celebrating the electoral victory in the Zócalo.

Joe’s condition slowly declined resulting in falls and injuries. Through it all, he never complained. While he continued to overcome infections and complications, his weakness increased and his resiliency decreased. The last few months and the last three weeks proved no walk in the park. Still he never complained. With his family, he made tough decisions and faced death without fear – telling his family, “It’s okay.”

Throughout his journey, Joe received excellent medical care, kindness and compassion at Loyola, UIC, and Rush Oak Park – three hospitals. His primary doctor, his surgeon, his oncologist, and his son-in-law physician – four doctors, guided his path and shared his journey. He was so grateful. Pepe celebrated the grace in living and found the grace in dying.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Archdiocese of Chicago Domestic Violence Outreach, attn, Chuck Dahm, OP, 1914 S. Ashland, Chicago, Illinois 60608.

What Cancer Can’t Do

Cancer is so limited…

It cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot corrode faith, it cannot eat away piece, it cannot destroy confidence, it cannot fill friendship, it cannot shut our memories, it cannot silence courage, it cannot invade the soul, it cannot reduce eternal life, it cannot quench the Spirit, it cannot lessen the power of the Resurrection.

Harold Larsen, cancer victim

Joseph Luis Perez age 77, Oct. 16, 2019. Beloved husband of Susan; loving father of Christina (Arturo Torres), John (Michelle), Daniel (Stephanie) and Mary Rose (Nicholas); cherished grandfather of Maya, Jonathon, London, Stevie, Soleil, Olivia and Elena; dear brother of Arthur, Alfred, Carlos, Lilia, Yolanda and Maria; fond uncle of Steven, Jacquelyn, Lizabeth, Areli, Genaro, Artemio, Joshua, Caroline, Robert, Jennifer, Melissa and Christopher. Visitation Friday 3-8p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home 7750 W. Cermak Road; Forest Park, IL Funeral Mass Saturday 1p.m. at St. Giles Church 1025 N. Columbian Oak Park, IL. Cremation Private. In lieu of flowers; Donations can be made to Catholic Charities. https://catholiccharities.net/ (708) 442-8500