Alicia C. Perez's Obituary
Celebrating a Life of Love and Service… Alicia Perez passed away peacefully on March 16, 2017, at the age of 96 in Dallas, Texas and will be deeply missed. She was born in Dilley, Texas on February 22, 1921, to parents Lydia and Refugio Colunga. After graduating from Dilley High School, she earned a Bachelor of Business Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin and, later, a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of North Texas. She was preceded in death by her “mi darling” husband of 55 years, the Rev. Isaac V. Perez. Growing up, Alicia was an outstanding student, a spelling whiz, and a devoted daughter. She loved school, children, teaching and learning. A master teacher honored with various awards throughout her career, she taught elementary school for 40 years in Texas and in Ancon, Canal Zone, a former United States Territory. She was Teacher of the Year at Ancon Elementary School, as well as at Obadiah Knight Elementary School in Dallas. Alicia was the first Mexican-American teacher hired in the Harlandale Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to her elementary school teaching career, Alicia began teaching Sunday School classes in her early twenties, devoting several hours each week to researching and studying the lessons in order to share the most relevant information with attendees every Sunday for over 40 years. This commitment was a labor of love for her. An avid music lover, she enjoyed singing alto in church choirs and was always dedicated to being a part of a group effort. During her time in Panama, she sometimes played the piano in worship services at Primera Iglesia Bautista de Panama when the regular pianist was not available. Music was always such an important part of her life. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave the familiarity and safety of home and family in Texas to live in Balboa, Canal Zone (Panama), but Alicia made her family’s new home comfortable in every sense of the word and thrived in the process. Elegant and artistic, she painted wooden trays, or “bateas”, with beautiful, intricate pre-Colombian designs and collected molas, unique textile art created by San Blas Indian women, during 20 years of living and working in Panama with her husband and daughter. Cooking was always one of Alicia’s favorite pastimes, and she was an excellent cook. More often than not, dinner time included guests visiting from the U. S., Isaac’s local colleagues and/or Vita’s friends; all were welcome. She frequently worked into the night after a full day of teaching to prepare special made-from-scratch birthday, holiday or special occasion sweets for family, church members, coworkers, friends, and neighbors. Her quick bread, muffins, Christmas cookies and pineapple upside-down-cake were legendary. She loved the blue, blue Pacific Ocean, the majestic row of Royal Palm trees that lined her street and the main streets of Balboa, the splendor of exotic hibiscus, orchids and other beautiful flowers surrounding the family home and the tropical fruit like mangoes and papayas that grew outside the family home, as well. The magnificence of the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas, located a mile and a half from her home, were constant marvels to her. And, while she loved and appreciated her Central American environment, she sometimes longed for the company of her parents in the South Texas land of her birth and upbringing. In her busy and active retirement back in Texas, Alicia continued baking special treats for others and playing the piano, even taking piano lessons to keep up her skills. (Her rendition of Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life was heartfelt, moving and just beautiful!) While her interests were wide and varied, she focused on health, wellness and volunteerism. She loved volunteering at the White Rock Center of Hope for several years, where she translated for Spanish-speaking clients, often remarking that she felt so privileged to work in this capacity. Even in her assisted living home for the last three and a half years of her life, she was ever the teacher, helping new residents adjust to the schedule and “learn the ropes”. Alicia was thankful for the way her childhood and adulthood unfolded and felt very fortunate to live a wonderful, healthy and rewarding life with her beloved husband Isaac. With him, she traveled the world and experienced a life she never dreamed she would live. She gave her heart to so many people – her family, friends, Sunday School ladies, church members, colleagues, neighbors and on and on. When anyone asked her how she was doing, she was always positive, affirming that she was “wonderful!” While there are so many other fine things that could be said about Alicia’s life, her most important goals and her greatest accomplishments were serving her Lord and living a life of service to others. She was absolutely successful in both areas. She is survived by daughter Elva (Vita); sister Berta Salinas of Austin, Texas and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Alicia will be held at 12:30 PM at Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home
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