Monique Perez

Monique Perez (Ganteaume) of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at the age of 97, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 26, 1928, to Joseph and Marie Ganteaume. She lived with her parents and 2 brothers (Andre and Roger Ganteaume) on the beautiful island of Martinique, French West Indies. Her love of travel and sense of adventure led her to Paris, France, in 1954, where she worked for the American Embassy in Paris. She would soon meet the love of her life, Jorge Perez. After a whirlwind romance in the City of Lights, they married in 1959. They continued their travels throughout Europe as their family continued to grow. Over the next few years, they welcomed 3 daughters, Isabel, Ana-Marie, and Angelina. In 1968, they settled in Northern Virginia, where she devoted herself to raising her children and creating a loving home where her husband and girls were loved, cherished, and happy. In later years, she devoted the same love and affection as she became caregiver to her mother and mother-in-law. She would come to be known as “Mimi” by her adoring 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Monique and Jorge shared a love of international and domestic travel, fine foods, and good times spent with family and friends. Monique was warmly loved and blessed with family and many enduring friendships. Faith, family, and love were always her guiding principles. Her kind heart and beautiful smile will be missed.

Monique is survived by her husband (Jorge), 3 daughters and sons-in-law (Isabel Howell and Rudy Friederich of Manassas, VA; Ana-Marie and Barry Sullivan of Lorton, VA; and Angelina and Robert Hammack of Kansas City, MO), 8 grandchildren (Brian Howell; Nick, Alex, Will and Natalie Sullivan; Christina Rett (Hammack), Carolyn, and Robbie Hammack), and 2 great-granddaughters (Lily and Chloe Howell).

Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. Interment will follow at National Memorial Park, Falls Church, VA.