Crispina Perez

God allowed Crispina Perez to live a full life and she graced us with 85 years by being a blessing to her family, friends, and neighbors. Later in life, Crispina rededicated her life to Christ and enjoyed serving others selflessly whether it was someone she knew or a complete stranger. Having been born in the 30’s, Crispina understood the value of hard work and picked cotton in West Texas as a child alongside her father Nicolas Hernandez, mother Nieves Hernandez, and brothers and sisters. She always loved the little things in life and it didn’t take much to make her happy. Crispina’s friends called her “Cris,” and she was a wife, a mother, grandmother, and a mentor to many people. After working at Republic Bank (Bank of America) for 41 years, part of the legacy she leaves to her loved ones is how to take care of your family while maintaining a solid work ethic.

Cris Perez was born on September 20, 1931 in Devine, TX and grew up working in the fields learning the value of hard work and having the desire to ensure that her own family would have a better life than she had. She married the love of her life, John C. Perez on August 22nd 1958. Their marriage lasted 31 years until God called John home in 1989, Cris never remarried or even “thought about it,” as she said after her husband went to heaven. John went on ahead of her and because he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior before he died, he was one of the first loved ones who welcomed Cris into Heaven. They are now together in the bliss of heaven enjoying God’s wonders and waiting to reunite with other loved ones who will be joining them in heaven in the future.

Cris made a big impact in this world and her legacy will live on through her children. She had three sons: Jesse, Johnny and James and three daughters: Anita (son in law Marco A. Hinojosa), Rebecca (son in law Timothy Mathews) and Linda (son in law Andrew D. Parker); she also had ten grandchildren: Mark (wife Adriana Hinojosa), Adrian, Alexis, Joseph, Cristina, John, Nitsuwa, Nia, Trinity, and Ava. Her crown grew brighter with her five great grandchildren: Mark, Nathan, Alayna, Alyssa and Adrian. She also leaves behind her sister Mary Alice Perez and brother Alejo Hernandez as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Cris lost her eldest son Jesse in November 10, 2015 which left a big void in her heart, one she had to deal with for the rest of her life. Her grandchildren brought so much joy to her life. Some of them lovingly called her “Granny.” She loved spending time with her grandchildren especially the little ones, she enjoyed seeing them grow and learn especially the funny things they said and did. She would re-tell stories about her grandchildren, John and Alayna, they kept her laughing and loving life every time she was around them.

Cris never learned to drive, but that never limited her. She was well known to everyone as an independent person who was strong and vibrant, able to get around town on buses or able to get a ride with just a phone call. She loved working in the yard and told us it was so soothing to her and it kept her strong. Not surprisingly, she was easy to talk to and loved people and would strike up a conversation with a stranger and within a few minutes they sounded as if they were old friends.

Cris was always available to help those around her, many of them neighbors who were non-English speakers. Despite, many of them moving away, they kept in touch with her because they were so thankful to her. It was in her nature to take people under her wing and help them in any way possible.

In November 18, 2016, the family learned that Cris had incurable, pancreatic cancer, stage-four. The next four months were an example of how to gracefully wind down your life. She was not bitter, she was not angry, she was at peace. Many people without terminal cancer do not appreciate all their blessings, they waste precious time complaining, but not Cris, she was very calm and pleasant, she was at peace. As her health deteriorated, she moved into Anita’s house, which became Grand Central Station. As people learned that Cris was in bad health, people came in and out visiting seemingly all day long. The house was full of people who cared for her, people who loved her and appreciated her. People who looked at her as a “second mother,” as a “really good friend,” and as “an angel.” One after the other, they came to pay their respects and thank her for all she did for them, it was a tribute to a life well-lived!

The visitation will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 5-9 pm with the Holy Rosary being recited at 7 pm at Calvary Hill Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the North Chapel of Calvary Hill at 2:00 pm with the committal immediately following.