Tomasa Pérez

Tomasa Perez was born November 16, 1930 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. She was her brother Maximo’s twin sister and was one of nine children. She married Ernesto Perez in 1954 who she met through mail correspondence because of a mutual friend as Ernesto was stationed on a military base in Korea. She was Ernesto's faithful and devoted wife for 54 years until his death in 2008. Together, Tomasa and Ernesto are the parents of Luis, Elizabeth, Osvaldo, Margarita, Veronica, and Enrique. They are affectionately Wita and Papa to their 13 grandchildren, and Wita Wita and Papa Papa to their 23 great grandchildren.

Tomasa moved to Chicago to join her husband in 1957. When she came to the city they lived on the South side of town and soon settled in the Pilsen neighborhood. They finished their years in Chicago in the Avondale community. She never worked outside of the home, but her children can attest to her strength as she held down the family. Even though Ernesto worked the swing shift all his life, Tomasa made sure the family sat around the table for at least one meal each day. It’s no surprise that she was happiest when surrounded by her family.

She always managed to gather everyone by the power of her touch in the kitchen. When Wita cooked, no one wanted to miss it (in her home, there really was no eating out, because there was no need to!). She also enjoyed flowers, gardening, needle-point, a good game of Chalupa, and of course, clowns.

Her humor and wit earned her the nickname “la pallasa.” Family and friends will especially remember the “clown” room in her home, laden with hundreds of clown figurines, dolls, and decorations.

Tomasa was devoted to her God and weekly gathered with her church on Sundays. She could be found each morning saying her prayers and reading her Bible to cultivate her faith. Her belief in Jesus and the power of God kept her strong even in her last years.

Tomasa Perez was an anchor in our family and will be deeply missed. We treasure her memory and celebrate her life.