We celebrate the life of Elida Juanita Perez, 80, who passed away on April 7, 2025 after battling cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones in her home in Madera, California
Elida was born on October 24, 1944, in Corpus Christi, TX. She's spent her childhood with mother, Matilda Trevino Pena, and stepfather, Damian Pena. Elida married Noe Humberto Perez on December 31, 1960; and at once launched a life of adventure and travel with her military husband.
Elida and Noe went on to have three daughters, Pearl Perez Knuckle Tapanes, Belinda Perez McDanel, and Amanda Perez Serna Gardener. Her love of life was evident in the way she lived. Even just sitting at her dining room table turned into a fun time with family, friends and of course a game of Sequence.
Elida was not likely to follow the rules which meant she was never short on hysterically funny stories. She was an avid reader of mystery books especially Agatha Christie. During her time with us, she made a point to always help anyone with whatever she could, generous to a fault. She would even give away the shirt on your back to help another.
Their strong faith in God led Elida and Noe to serve as missionaries in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Elida possessed a determined spirit and a remarkable ability to take charge, especially during challenging times, offering strength to her family. These abilities were particularly useful during their experiences in Guatemala surviving the earthquake in 1976 and in El Salvador navigating war and the constant threat of violence (1976-1979).
Upon her return to the United States in the summer of 1979, Elida settled with her family in California. She continued her dedication to service along her husband, engaging in prison ministry from 1985 until their retirement in 2013. Her commitment and leadership extended to launching the Comadres Program which fostered bonding between incarcerated mothers and their babies.
Elida was preceded in death by her mother Matilda Pena and stepfather Damian Pena, brothers, Domingo Flores, Israel Pena; and sisters, Oralia Rodarte, Santa Urbiete. And her beloved eldest daughter, Pearl Tapanes.
Elida Perez leaves behind a legacy of strength faith and of wavering love for her family. Her life, marked by both adventure and adversity, serves as an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Noe Perez, her daughters, Belinda (Bruce McDanel) and Amanda (Brian Gardener), and her grandchildren Cristina (Kellie Adams), John Noe Nuckle, Laura (T.J. Mitchell), Danielle (Dex Jespersen), Benjamin (Jess Hernandez McDanel), Briana McDanel, Emily Serna and Natalie Serna; and great grandchildren, Killian Adams and Azucena McDanel.
She is survived by brothers, Adan Pena, Noe Pena and sister, Esmeralda Cervantes along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Viewing for Elida will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on April 25th at Whitehurst, Sullivan Burns and Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave, Fresno CA. Her funeral will be held April 26th at 11:00 am at Grace Community Church, 17755 Road 26, Madera, CA with a meal to follow. Her final resting place will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. The military cemetery only allows for six cars, therefore we expect only immediate family for the internment.
