Mary Aurora Perez Llende

Mary Aurora Perez Llende, 88 of Tampa, passed away surrounded by her loving children on Friday Feb. 21, 2025. She was born on January 26, 1937, to Gerardo Perez and Aurora Ordieres in Ybor City. Aurora was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 30 years, Frank C. Llende. She is survived by her children, David Diaz (Robyn), Andrew Diaz (Robin), Velen Diaz Thompson (Jeffrey); her stepsons, Frank Llende and Jim Llende (Sue); grandchildren, Robert, Clara (Thomas) and John Diaz; Olivia and Audrey Diaz; Christina and Phillip Thompson; Hannah, Elena, Lindsey and Anabel Llende. She is also survived by her devoted brother Jerry Perez (Connie), her dear cousin Rita Fernandez (Albert), nieces, nephews and many relatives including those in Asturias, Spain.

After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1954, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Tampa in 1957. Twenty-five years later she returned to UT and obtained a master’s degree. Aurora began teaching in New Orleans and upon returning to Tampa, she taught at Bryan Elementary. After some years at home with her children, in 1977 she returned to the classroom at Dover Elementary. While at Dover, Aurora was very involved in the early stages of the English Language Learner (ELL) program which improved the education and lives of her migrant students. She retired from Riverhills Elementary School in Temple Terrace. Aurora enriched the lives of her students through her guidance, care and classroom experiences.

Aurora was an active member of the Pan-American University Women’s Club for over 60 years, serving as President in 1982 and recognized in 2022 as the Woman of the Year. Raising her children in Temple Terrace, she was active at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, The Temple Terrace Junior Women’s Club, as well as organizations and activities involving her children.

Aurora was a first generation American and cherished her Asturian heritage. Her passion was supporting Centro Asturiano de Tampa. She loved participating in anything having to do with the Centro. She was an active member of Las Damas and enjoyed raising funds for the historic building and continuing its history and culture. Throughout her life, Aurora shared many happy memories there with her family and friends.

Of all Aurora’s accomplishments, her role as mother was her true vocation. She was at her happiest while cooking and caring for those she loved, creating a warm loving home for her children and grandchildren. Aurora believed in the Lord, family values and always had a smile and open heart for everyone. Those who called her family or friend were blessed.

Thank you to the Allegro senior residence community and Diligence Home Care for the kindness and dignity provided to Aurora and her children during Aurora’s final days with us.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at 1:00pm at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, followed by a Mass for the Repose of her Soul at 2:00pm. Interment will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2025 at the Centro Asturiano Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00am.

Pallbearers will be David J. Diaz, Andrew G. Diaz, Gerardo (Jerry) Perez, Frank M. Llende, James X. Llende, Jeffrey R. Thompson, Gerardo (Gerry) Perez, Robert J. Diaz, John S. Diaz, Phillip R. Thompson, Thomas R. Bradbury

For those wishing to contribute in her name, please donate to the Centro Asturiano de Tampa at https://www.centroasturianotampa.org/tribute-gift