Margarita M. Perez

Margarita Maria Perez passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 50 years old. A proud native of New Orleans, Margarita was a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Loyola University. Margarita was initiated into the Epsilon Mu Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at Loyola University. She earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans. Margarita later received a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Margarita dedicated more than 25 years to higher education and student affairs, including the past decade at UL Lafayette, where she served as Dean of Students before being appointed Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. Over the course of her career, she also held leadership roles at Spring Hill College, Newcomb College at Tulane University, and Southeastern Louisiana University. Margarita was an exceptional leader, guided by empathy, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to student well-being. Her influence reached nearly every aspect of campus life and shaped the experiences of thousands of students. Colleagues and students alike admired her generosity of spirit and steadfast belief in the transformative power of education.

Throughout her professional life, Margarita was recognized for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the many organizations and communities she touched. Most recently, she was honored with the Dan Seymour Award—the highest distinction bestowed by the Louisiana Association of College & University Student Personnel Administrators—in recognition of her lifelong commitment to student advocacy. Her many other honors include the University of Louisiana System Outstanding Staff Award, the UL Lafayette Dean McPhaul Award, the Spring Hill College William Rewak Award, the Service to Newcomb College Award, and the Mount Carmel Academy Outstanding Young Alumna Award.

In every part of her life, both professionally and personally, Margarita radiated kindness and genuine care. Nothing brought her more joy than celebrating the accomplishments of others—whether family, friends, colleagues, or students. Margarita truly made a difference. With her bright smile, open heart, and gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and included, she was a blessing to all who knew her. She brought warmth to every conversation, calm to every challenge, and joy to every success.

While she was devoted to her career in higher education, her family and friends were her greatest treasure. She leaves behind her spouse, Stephanie Galendez; her sisters, Martha Stewart (Bill); Ana Perkins (Danny); Paula Duplantis (Mark); nieces and nephews, Jeffrey Stewart (Erika); Shawna Perkins; Andrew Duplantis (Caitlin) and Paul Duplantis (Bailey); great-nieces and -nephews, Collin Sparacello, Evelyn Stewart, Grace Stewart, Charles Duplantis and Mila Duplantis; and countless other family and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Manuel Perez and Margarita C. Perez and her niece, Jennifer Stewart.

“Ita” was dearly loved by her friends and their children, who became like family to her. Over the years, those special friendships—both old and new—filled her life with laughter and love. Some of her happiest moments were spent with them, making memories on beach trips, enjoying Christmas traditions, celebrating Mardi Gras, cheering at sporting events, and sharing in all of life’s celebrations.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. and a Mass to follow at 12:00 p.m. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Campus Cupboard in memory of Dr. Margarita Perez, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The Campus Cupboard was a program she founded and championed to support students in need. Give at bit.ly/M_Perez or mail checks to UL Lafayette Foundation, P.O. Box 44290, Lafayette, LA 70504-4290, noting “Perez Memorial Gift.” Memorial gifts can also be made to Mount Carmel Academy “Sue Buras Leadership Fund”, 7027 Milne Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124 or give online at https://www.mcacubs.com/giving/make-a-gift.