Michelle Lynn Perea Tafoya

Michelle was born in Boone, Colorado, to Joseph Perea and Emma Algien on May 5, 1962. From her mother, Michelle developed a deep love for storytelling—something she carried with her throughout her life. Later, Michelle would share that love with her own children through storytelling around the kitchen table and visits to the local library.

While growing up in Boone, Michelle enjoyed playing softball in the summer with her siblings and neighborhood friends. After graduating from Pueblo County High School, she embraced the adventure of being a military mom and lived on Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. There, Michelle strengthened her gift for building community wherever she went. No one was a stranger to Michelle, and she made friends easily with her bright smile and interest in other people's stories.

After Okinawa, Michelle traveled throughout the United States with her family before settling in the San Antonio area. She earned a technical degree at St. Philip's College and started her career in administration. She lived in San Antonio, Texas, for 31 years, where she adored the hot weather and visiting the Texas Hill Country with friends and family. A passionate Denver Broncos fan, Michelle enjoyed spending her Sundays cheering for her favorite team with her cat Caramel Apple. Those who knew Michelle will remember her warmth and her ability to see the bright side of things while sharing that optimism with others.

Michelle is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Perea and Emma Algien, and her sisters, Mary Ellen Medina, Katheryn Pacheco, and Judith (Judy) Atkins.

Michelle is lovingly survived by her children, Steve, Jennifer, and Amber (Marques) Tafoya; grandchildren, Mattias and Marisol Kirsch-Tafoya; her partner, Michael Dobbins; sisters, Sharon (Ray) Gomez, Joanne (Danny) Gonzales, Peggy (Chris) Ryan, and Beth (Roy) Ortiz; and brothers, Joe (Johnnie) Perea, Chris (Maria) Perea, and Robert Perea.

Please join her family for a memorial at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Zoeller Funeral Home. Michelle loved color. We encourage people to dress in what feels comfortable. Bright colors are welcomed. A reception to celebrate and honor Michelle's life will follow at Pavilion #16 in Landa Park.

https://newbraunfels.gov/3375/Landa-Park

All who knew and loved Michelle are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Antonio Public Library Foundation.

https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E352184&id=1