Maria "Cuqui" Perales

Maria R Perales lived 83 years and didn’t waste a moment. It can be said she lived 4 lives in one: the life of a devoted, faithful nun, a caring, loving mother, an adventurous, carefree traveler and a patient, nurturing grandmother.

She was born to Luis and Cuca Molina on February 28, 1937. She was the oldest of 9 children (Maria, Josie, Marylou, Connie, Luis, Benny, Bertie, Rita, and Rosie). The family had a humble life in El Paso, Texas and after the fourth child was born they moved to East Los Angeles where they would raise all 9 children.

When she was 15 she became a nun and missionary, and was devoted to her vows for 20 years. She eventually decided she wanted a family, and was released from her vows with the blessings of the church.

In 1974 she gave birth to her only son, Mario Virgil, and raised him in California his entire life, going to work at the Social Security Administration and then later retiring and becoming a High School Spanish Teacher. When her son began his own family, she opened her home to them and helped care for her three grandchildren in their early childhoods.

She loved to travel, and went on many trips, cruises, and excursions to various parts of the world. She remained dedicated to her Faith and the Catholic Church, becoming involved with the Fellowship of Catholic Christian Women, working with Spanish speaking women in her region translating newsletters and scripture and studying the word of God.

Altogether her life was full and had purpose. She passed away Saturday May 30th surrounded by the people she loved the most. She leaves behind her son, Mario, her daughter-in-law, Angelina and three Grandchildren, Ana Alicia, Jenine Marie, and Mario Jr.

In observing the ways she lived her life, we learned many things:

- never let anything hold you back - don’t be afraid to start over as long as you are going after your dreams

- have faith that everything will be okay but don't wait around for it, get up and make it happen for yourself

- discard the things that hinder you and live the best life you can.

Maria will be greatly missed by her family and friends. May she rest in God's kingdom of peace.