Eliza Encarguez Perez

Ellie was born on November 28, 1939 into a Cebuano family in Negros Occidental, Philippines. She was raised in an idyllic rural community where her father served as foreman for an American logging company. As a young woman, she moved to Cebu City to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Nursing at Southwestern University. After graduating with a BSN, Ellie immigrated to Toronto, Canada, where she worked as a registered nurse for several years before returning home to the Philippines to marry her long-time beau, Filemon “Boy” Perez Jr.

Ellie later immigrated to the United States to work as a registered nurse in Chicago, then to Los Angeles where she ultimately settled with her family. Ellie was an RN at Daniel Freeman Hospital for fifteen years before she transitioned to become a Public Health Nurse serving in community clinics for Los Angeles County, where she worked until retirement. After retirement, Ellie spent many years pursuing her passion for travel. In addition to leisure travel with her family, she went on religious pilgrimages to the Vatican, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, Guadalupe and the Holy Land. Ellie was a devout Roman Catholic and was a devotee of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

Ellie was preceded in death by her husband Boy Perez, her parents Maximo and Eugenia, and older sister, Salud. Ellie is survived by her five children, Mona, Liezl, Marissa, Arnold and Beverly; sons-in-law, Angelo, Dave and Peter; daughter-in-law, Rio; grandsons, Elijah, Reilly and Andrew; brothers, Mocrit and Gener; sister, Winnie; sister-in-law Linda; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and cherished friends who became family over the years.

Ellie led a remarkable life of service to her family, friends and community. She will be deeply missed by all those who love her.