Margarita Nellie Perez

Our beloved wife and mother, Margarita Nellie (Florez) Perez, passed away at home in Peoria on October 14, 2024 at the age of 76. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who was always there when we needed her most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance.

Margarita was born in Casa Grande, AZ to Matilde and Amelia (Ochoa) Florez. She graduated from Casa Grande High School where she met her future husband. In 1967, she would marry her high-school sweetheart, "the only one for me", Arturo Perez at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande AZ. During their time as a Marine Corp family, mom would set up our home and they would raise their four daughters. Mom had always wanted to be a school teacher, however, the Lord had another teaching path for her. She became a troop leader, a coach, a teacher's aide, an attendance and records secretary, and the most wonderful homemaker taking care of us all. Mom was an outstanding Camp Fire Girl and Girl Scout Troop Leader. Arts & crafts, and earning our pins and badges were her specialty. If they gave out medals for camping, mom would've won Gold! No cold food and water for her troops. She'd set up her cardboard box oven, fire pit grill, make shift shower, and a real toilet seat latrine. Camping with mom was five star. She was the CCD teacher that made learning about our faith, instructional and always fun. Mom played tennis, softball, and volleyball and was a terrific coach. The girls loved her and many would ask to be on her teams year after year. Mom played a mean tennis match. She would play that baseline and have you running back and forth from each sideline without breaking a sweat. She was a marvelous seamstress and made awesome costumes and much of our clothes as we grew up. As we got older, we'd take our clothes to her to mend, hem, and get the stains out.

We will miss her cooking, boy, will we miss her cooking. She loved her grandchildren and helped to raise them. Her pantry was always stocked and they could have their fill. What happened at Nena's house stayed at Nena's. Mom and Dad went to every sporting event, theatrical performance, and awards ceremony possible. They were the best cheering section a daughter, granddaughter, grandson could ever wish for. Most of the time the loudest. Mom and Dad were dancers and we never tired of learning from them and watching them on the dance floor. Mom taught all her "students" to be resourceful, to not squander talent, to be a good listener, to be kind, to have fun, and to love unconditionally, patiently, and with all your heart.

She is leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness along with her husband of 57 years, Arturo Perez, who she knew for 63 years; her daughters, Amelia Margarita Holleran, Marina Filomena Perez, Abril Magdalena Perez-Annala (Michael), Isabel Annamaria Perez; her grandchildren, Amira, Magdalena, Corona, and Kai; her brother Pete Florez (Karen), and many loved extended family members and friends.

She was predeceased by per parents Matilde and Amelia (Ochoa) Florez; sister Elda Florez; and her son-in-law David Francis Holleran.

We invite all who know her to join us in celebrating her life. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at West Resthaven Funeral Home; 6450 W. Northern Avenue in Glendale. Rosary will be at 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church: 5614 W. Orangewood Avenue in Glendale. There will be a reception immediately following the mass back at West Resthaven Funeral Home.