Esperanza Perez Cruz

Esperanza Perez Cruz, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on March 29, 2025. She was born in La Luz, Michoacán, Mexico, to Maria del Carmen Cruz and Jose Perez. Esperanza was the fourth of six children in her family. She is preceded in death by her father (Jose Perez), her mother (Maria del Carmen Cruz), brother in law (Everardo Gallegos) and two sister in laws (Estela Perez) (Graciela Rico).

Esperanza is survived by her siblings: Evangelina Gallegos, Jesus Perez, Josefina Perez Cruz (Jose Mendoza), Jose Perez (Maria Teresa Gomez), and Benjamin Perez. She is also survived by her cherished son, Angel Fabian Farfan, and her daughter, Yadira Ochoa (Henry Ochoa), whom she adored. Her love for her son, Angel Fabian, was immeasurable—he was her precious gift from God, and she found great joy in preparing meals for him.

As a mother figure, Esperanza's warmth extended beyond her own children. She was a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews, but there was a special bond with Yadira Mendoza Ochoa, whom she regarded as her own daughter. Esperanza had a special love for babies and was known as the family’s "baby whisperer." She had an undeniable ability to soothe and comfort the youngest members of the family, always eager to hold them and shower them with affection.

A woman of deep faith, Esperanza was a devout Catholic who never lost her strength, even after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Despite the hardships, she fought with courage and grace to remain present for her family, particularly for her son, and to fulfill the purpose she believed God had set for her. Throughout her journey, she never complained, instead embracing every moment with resilience and a heart full of love.

Esperanza was deeply connected to her sisters, Evangelina and Josefina. Their time spent together was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, whether they were enjoying breakfast, shopping, or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Mexico.

She was grateful for the extra time God granted her, which allowed her to say her goodbyes and savor her favorite meals before her transition into eternal life. Esperanza’s legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by God’s love and may her family find comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind.

A visitation for Esperanza will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031. A funeral mass will occur Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Most Blessed Trinity Parish; Holy Family Catholic Church, 450 Keller Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085. Burial at Ascension Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 1920 Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048.