Magdalena "Maggie" Perez

Magdalena “Maggie” Perez, age 69, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2010, at her home, surrounded by family and friends after a long courageous battle with cancer. Maggie was born on December 5, 1940 in Eagle Pass, Texas to Hipolito and Herminia Mendez.

Maggie was raised in Eagle Pass, Texas and migrated to Washington with her family to work in the fields. Eventually, Maggie’s family settled in the Yakima Valley. She attended Sunnyside High School and later earned her AA Degree at YVCC, where she was the Valedictorian of her class. She went on to obtain her BA Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Education Counseling from Heritage University.

Maggie was employed as the academic coordinator for recruitment at Washington State University’s College of Nursing. She helped Hispanics and Native Americans enter the Nursing Program and obtain a BSN Degree. She had previously worked at the YVCC’s Women’s Program, where Maggie assisted displaced homemakers to enter college. She will be remembered by all of the people that she has helped and mentored.

Maggie was very active in her community. Maggie was a member of the ESD 105 Board of Directors, AESD Executive Committee and YWCA Board of Directors. She was also a member of the Dispute Resolution, Millennium Plaza Project, A Better Tomorrow, and Yakima School District Community Partnership Committees.

Maggie enjoyed singing, dancing, gardening, traveling, dining, shopping and going to the Casino with a $20 limit. She was especially fond of family gatherings and encouraging others to succeed in life.

Maggie is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Patrick Perez. Her daughters, Patsey Wiersma (Greg), Debbie Maganas (Rick), and Melissa Maganas (Ted). Her grandchildren, Bobby Wiersma (Jessica), Levi Wiersma, and Jessie Lee Wiersma. Her step children, Daniel Perez, Andrew Perez, Greg Perez, Christina Perez, and Crespin Perez. Her sisters, Teresa Garcia (Sam), and Esther Mendez. Her brothers, Hipolito Mendez (Paula), Rick Hernandez, and Abel Mendez (Stacy). Her nephews, Hector Vela, Paul & Felipe Mendez. Her nieces Yvonne Seyler and Minnie Garcia, and many colleagues and friends, and special friend Manuela Parks.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, and her nephew Eddie Vela.

The family wishes to thank the staff at North Star Lodge, and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospice workers, Olga, Jeannie, and Maria.

A Rosary/Memorial will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home in Yakima, WA. Mass and Reception will be held on Monday, July 19, 2010 at St. Paul Cathedral in Yakima, WA at 11:00 a.m. To share a memory of Maggie, please visit www.keithandkeith.com Keith & Keith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.