Born on July 9, 1932, to Antonino and Rosa C. Salinas, Anita grew up in Benavides, Texas, and graduated from Benavides High School in 1952. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Fidel J. Perez. Their 58-year marriage became the foundation of the family they built together. Anita and Fidel also shared a love of dancing and were known among family and friends for the joy they found together on the dance floor.
Anita’s life was defined by love in action. She showed how deeply she cared through her presence, encouragement, and the many ways she made others feel remembered. She called on birthdays and holidays, cared for her grandchildren when they were young, attended their academic and sporting events, and proudly cheered them on. She often said that she loved her grandchildren as though they were her own children.
More than anything, Anita brought people together. Her home became the heart of the family and the place where holidays were celebrated. For her grandchildren, those holidays are inseparable from memories of their grandmother’s house—a place filled with relatives, laughter, food, and the comfort of knowing everyone would be together. Anita and Fidel also began the family tradition of summer trips to Garner State Park, giving generations a cherished way to reconnect.
Anita carried that patience and compassion into her 20 years as a paraprofessional with CCISD. She gave students support, encouragement, and someone who believed in them. Long after retiring in 1992, former students would recognize her and approach the woman who had made a meaningful difference in their lives.
Her commitment to serving others extended beyond her work in education. Anita volunteered for many years with the Golden Girls Social Club, a senior volunteer organization active in civic and political affairs. She was outgoing, engaged, and deeply interested in her community and the people around her. Her service reflected the same generosity and concern for others that shaped every part of her life.
At the center of Anita’s life was her Catholic faith. She loved attending church and drew strength from her relationship with God. Sundays often continued with a meal at U & I Steak Restaurant, where she invited family to join her—another opportunity to gather loved ones around the same table.
Anita was caring, outgoing, elegant, and full of life, and she loved fashion, especially her shoes. Even in her later years, visits with her often became unexpected family reunions. She continued doing what she had always done: reconnecting the people she loved.
The true measure of Anita’s life is found in the people she loved, the lives she changed, and the family she united. Her family will continue to gather because she brought them together and care for one another because she showed them how. In every holiday, family meal, and tradition passed forward, Anita will remain forever at the heart of her family.
Anita was preceded in death by her husband Fidel J “Fidelito” Perez Jr. Her parents Antonino and Rosa C. Salinas. Her brother Guadalupe “Lupito” Salinas and sisters Barbara C. Salinas and Zulema Morin.
She is survived by her three sons: Adrian (Mary Elia) Perez, Fidel J Perez, III, Albert (Erica) Perez and daughter Rosa Ana (Luis Antonio “Tony”) Villegas. Grandchildren: Adrian Orlando Perez, Andrew Randall Perez, Luis Antonio “TJ” (Leslie) Villegas, Jr., Laura Ana Villegas, Jesus Andres Villegas, John Ryan (Stephanie) Perez, Phillip Michael Perez, Amanda Danielle (Ruben) Perez, Madeline Cecilia Perez and Jacob Erin Guajardo. Great grandchildren: Christopher (CJ), Brody, Rita, Victoria, Jayce, Allie, Matthew, Christopher, Kylo Ren, Jacob Erin, Luna Marie and Penelope. Brother-in-law Amado Morin, Jr and sister-in-law Lupita P. Utley and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family of Anita gives thanks to our Heavenly Father for blessing her with a beautiful and fulfilling life and extends its sincere gratitude to the staff of Cimmaron Place Health & Rehabilitation for the care and kindness shown to her.
Services will be held at Memory Garden Funeral Home on Saturday August 15, 202 as follows: Private family viewing will be at 9am; Public viewing will be at 10am; Holy Rosary will be recited at 11:30am; Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at 12pm; Entombment to follow at the Memory Garden Mausoleum at 1pm.
