Maria D Perez de Arana

Maria Dolores Pérez de Arana, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 30, 2025, at the age of 82 at the Continuing Care Center in Ojai, California.

Maria was born on February 20, 1943, in Salto de las Peñas, Municipio de Zapotlanejo, Jalisco, to parents Florentina Rodriguez and Ignacio Pérez. She grew up in a small, two-bedroom home on the family ranch, surrounded by chickens, horses, and the laughter of her nine siblings: Catalina, Natalia, Maria, Bartolo, Manuel, Antonio, Elias, and Chela. Her family shared a deep love for animals, especially horses, and cherished memories of going to fairs and palenques, often staying overnight at local mesones.

At the age of 9, Maria lost her mother, Florentina Rodriguez, who passed away while giving birth. Maria lovingly cared for the newborn until the baby too passed away — a loss that shaped her deep sense of responsibility and compassion from an early age.

Maria’s first job was at a panadería at age 13. She later moved with her father and siblings to Hacienda La Soledad, where they tended to cattle, before returning to her childhood ranch at 17. It was then she reconnected with Rafael Arana Márquez, whom she had first met at the age of 9. They married young at the ages of 17 and 18 — first through a small civil ceremony and a year later in the church in Tonalá, Jalisco .

Together, they raised ten children: Olivia, Leticia (who passed at just 4½ years old), Enrique, Ricardo, Rafael, Roberto, Jaime, Carlos, and Rosa Leticia. Maria poured her heart into her home and family, creating a warm and nurturing environment for her children. Maria was the proud grandmother of 28 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In 1972, Maria and her family moved to Chicago, where they lived for about two years. During that time, her son Roberto Arana was born. In chicago she worked in a factory cleaning hotel linens and laundry alongside her best friend, Sofia. She later returned to California, working in agriculture — picking chiles, aguacates, toronjas, fresas, limones, and naranjas — and sewing at a local shop in Santa Paula called Olga’s.

Maria was a woman of many talents and joys. She was known for her love of knitting, coloring, and sewing beautiful dresses. She loved to cook and especially enjoyed conchas — her favorite mexican bread. Purple was her favorite color and orchids were her favorite flowers. Maria had a deep love for the outdoors. She enjoyed going camping and spending time in nature, where she felt most at peace. She never passed up a trip to Starbucks for an iced blended mocha, and she found joy in shopping and being out and about.

April held a special place in her heart— it was the month when her first grandson Carlos Anguiano was born and her youngest daughter Rosa Leticia came into the world, making it her happiest time of the year.

Maria’s strength, warmth, and love touched everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the memories she made, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

“One of my favorite memories with my abuelita has to be coloring with her endlessly, doing crafts, catching butterflies and ladybugs. My abuelita loved playing with my dog Coco — she was always so happy when he and I were around.”- Julie

Services for Maria Dolores Pérez de Arana:

•Visitation Funeraria del Ángel Santa Paula 128 S Eighth St, Santa Paula, CA 93060 Monday, May 12, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

•Rosary Funeraria del Ángel Santa Paula 128 S Eighth St, Santa Paula, CA 93060 Monday, May 12, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Officiated by Deacon Antonio Arana Márquez.

•Funeral Mass Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 427 N Oak St, Santa Paula, CA 93060 Monday, May 12, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

•Burial Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery 380 Cemetery Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060 Monday, May 12, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This obituary was lovingly written and dedicated by her granddaughter, Julie Gonzalez.