Milagros Paras Perez

Surrounded by her children, Milagros Paras Perez passed away on the morning of Wednesday, September 23, at Cape Coral Hospital, Cape Coral, Florida. She was 86 years old. Mila was born on October 31,1933 in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, to Cristino Paras and Dolores Gonzalez. She was the sixth of seven children, survived by only one sibling, Arturo Paras.

Mila was raised by parents who were so doting, and siblings who were so supportive. It was this loving environment that gave her a strong sense of identity and confidence. It shaped her into a woman who chose to accentuate the more positive aspects of life rather than succumb to the negative. When life threw lemons, she made limoncello! She loved her spirits! She embraced the social life and special bonds of friendships she acquired throughout the years.

By a stroke of luck, she met the love of her life via a blind date. Mila was supposed to attend an event with a resident doctor; however, due to unavoidable circumstances, he was unable to make it. Being a gentleman, he contacted his colleague, Max, at the last minute to take his place. This doctor was quiet and well-mannered, something that did not initially attract Mila. But Max ultimately won her over simply by being God-fearing, true to himself, and true to her. And the rest is history… They were married on

May 3,1958, and had seven children. She always told her daughters that if they were to find a spouse that was even an ounce like Max, they should consider themselves most fortunate.

But as the saying goes, “Behind every great man is a strong woman.” More often than not, Max overshadowed Mila as he was such a respected physician, a dedicated and loving husband and father, and a very generous, kind man. Though she was a registered nurse, life guided her into the more traditional territory of being a wife and mother; however, what few know is that her own accomplishments and journeys were also the ones that stand side by side with Max’s successes:

- Back in the Philippines, she showed her savvy business entrepreneurial skills, which led into a successful restaurant, a barbershop, and a hotel.

- When martial law was declared in the Philippines, Max decided to move the family to the US for their children to get a better education, and a better quality of life. As someone later pointed out to their children, that decision required a lot of strength and grit for a mother to make such a bold move. But Mila had inner fortitude and great determination; moreover, she had great faith in Max…and in God.

- Mila was the nuts and bolts behind Max’s private medical practice. She managed the front desk, handled the business transactions, and held the role of a registered nurse when the need called for one.

During her twilight years, she became deeply connected with God and became more profoundly spiritual. She had gone through two strokes and compounded medical ailments. Yet, her unwavering faith kept her going. Each time she overcame hardship (from sickness or life trauma), she would iterate “God is good. God is so good!” Despite all adversities, she still felt so blessed and attributed everything good to God.

Through God’s grace and mercy, we pray and are comforted that Mila is now reunited with Max, and both are cradled in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Mila, we love you more….

Mila is survived by her children Mimi (m. Felipe Afable), Marites (m. Daniel Gabuten), Marlene (m. Robert Douglas), Marichu (m. Victor Iglesias), Myrna, Maria (m. Soheil Negabat) and Michael; grandchildren Christopher Douglas (m. Laura Knudson), Kristine (m. Eric Allen), Kathleen Carroll, Alexander Douglas (m. Jennifer Himes), Justin Gabuten, Max Iglesias and Joseph Iglesias; great grandchildren TJ Carroll and Caden Allen; and 8 furry loved ones: Tate, Sura, Louie, Wigglez, Ramble, Diego, Olive, and Pancake.

We express our humble gratitude to Father Tony D’Souza and Jean Rolfe for their ministry to mom’s spiritual care. Likewise, special thanks to all of those who cared for her: Rosing, Shulet, Glory, Luzzy, Virgie, Kelly, Fercie, Odette, and Edith.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private viewing and funeral mass will be held by her immediate family in Cape Coral, Florida. A Memorial Mass will be held in Maryland once conditions allow.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to the Catholic Charities USA Foundation. Your donation ensures “that the physical and spiritual needs of those in the community who were less fortunate would never be overlooked.”