Grace R Perez

Perez, Grace Rose, 95, cherished matriarch and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at her residence in Weston, Florida on February 19, 2025. The heart and light of our lives, Grace was dedicated to nurturing and supporting her family with love and strength. She was a true partner to her husband, John Perez, Chairman of Perez Trading Company up to his time of death in 2010 and an unending advocate for the family values they shared.

Born Gracinda Lopes in Elizabeth, New Jersey on July 16, 1929 of Portuguese immigrants from the Serra da Estrela area, Grace and her 3 siblings, Joaquim, Matilda, and Aida, grew up in a close-knit Portuguese community. Upon graduating from Battin High School she worked at Schnitzer Alloy Products Company for several years before marrying John Perez on April 7, 1951. John’s family were immigrants from La Coruna, Galicia, Spain and he often attended functions and sporting events at the Portuguese Social Club in Elizabeth where he met Grace. Together they had four beautiful children and resided in Colonia, New Jersey for over 20 years before moving to Miami, Florida in 1980.

Married for 59 years, Grace and John built a deeply fulfilling life together through their commitment, hard work and unbreakable bond. Grace managed all aspects of their domestic life. She kept an impeccable home, cooked delicious meals and kept her children clean, pressed and on task for homework and church attendance on Sunday. She also managed to keep up with years of team sports for her 3 sons as well as ballet and piano recitals for her daughter while never failing to create grand celebrations for every birthday and holiday. While her husband John worked long hours and traveled frequently to build Perez Trading Company, she was the anchor in the storm of family life. Together they created a loving family and a successful business that will celebrate its 78th anniversary this year still guided by their principled example and shining legacy. In their senior years they enjoyed the fruits of their labor by spending time with their treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling the world, and sharing their wisdom with all that were lucky enough to receive it.

Grace was an avid reader, family photographer and amateur genealogist. She especially loved stories involving family dynamics and relationships. Befittingly her own well-lived life story is one of the best and will remain in our hearts forever and ever. May God grant her eternal peace and unending happiness.

Grace was predeceased by her son, Philip (2002) and husband John (2010). She is survived by her three children, Roberta, John David and Carl, daughter-in-law, Angela, grandchildren, Jared, Dylan (wife Danielle), Carla (husband Andrew), Leanna and John Joseph and 4 great-grandchildren, Ben, Ava, Blair and Tessa. Grace is also survived by many well-loved extended family members and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been made at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home, 2401 S. University Drive, Davie, Fl. 33324. A viewing will take place on Wednesday evening, February 26th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. There will be a service held at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 200 N. University Drive, Plantation, Fl 33324 on Thursday morning, February 27th beginning at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of your choice.