My mom lived a great life for 98 years.  She was a classy and elegant women who had a great presence about her.  She was a great mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.  She was also a resilient person,  who at the age of 41 had to leave her beloved country, Cuba.  She fled the country alone except for her 3 year old son in tow.   She had to leave behind most of her family,  many of whom she never saw again.  

There are many great stories throughout her life that would make you laugh and cry.  I admire her for the way she lived her life.  To my mom, her family was everything especially her beloved grandchildren.  Her happiest moments were when she spent time with them.  Among many, one of her greatest pleasures was taking them to Tyson's or Pentagon City Mall to shop.  She was definitely a shopper.  It was her exercise  and kept her sane all 98 years.

I will miss my mom's smile and her zest for life,  but I am happy that she is now resting in peace with her husband (my Dad), Alfredo and sister, Kika.  "Mami, rest in peace and thank you for all your love."  

My Abuela was an amazing person, who lived an amazing life,  all 98 years of it.  She saw the world change in so many ways and loved going out and being a part of it.  She helped raise me and was such a big part of my life.  I will miss her so much. 

I will miss our lunches and talking about everything and nothing. She taught me about life, how to speak Spanish, and how to cook Cuban food.  I will continue the Cuban family recipes and pass them on. She was one of the strongest women I have ever met and I hope to live my life in a way that makes her proud.  

Gracias por todo. 

Te quiero mucho. 


I had the privilege of meeting Maria and her family only in the last thirty years of her life. Thinking about that is mind blowing, because that is only half of my life. But I knew her only in the last third of hers, the time my husband and I are just now starting.  By that time she was already the anointed matriarch of the family. Without question, her position in the family was solid. As I pondered on what was of most value to share today, I thought about her values as the head of the family and how those deeply rooted beliefs shaped her, her opinions, her choices, and her relationships. 
She was a relationship person, an extra extravert, not only enjoying the interaction with people, she was energized by her relationships. They were of course as a sister, an Aunt, a wife, a mother, and as a wonderful and beloved grandmother….but also as a friend. 
I fell somewhere in that “middle place”, not blood, but not friend either, in that precarious position of being “the daughter-in-law”, which by her own admission, could be either good or bad.  I was good, most of the time. As the daughter-in-law I witnessed how she relished the relationships in her life:  family: with whom making every opportunity to spend her time…and friends. Her women support group, which was a combo of both friends and family, sustained her in the last 20 years her of her life. Calls went out and in daily, nightly and multiple times throughout the day to her girls, with whom she talked about… well I actually couldn’t understand any of it, but I am sure they were the same “world solving” conversations I would have had with my “girls”.  And this was our bond.  Since I didn’t shop, like she did, I didn’t cook to feed the stomachs of my loved ones the way she did, but she accepted me with all my faults anyway.  I was lucky.



Since I didn’t shop, like she did, I didn’t cook to feed the stomachs of my loved ones the way she did, but she accepted me with all my faults anyway.  I was lucky.
She accepted, whole heartedly, the people who were her “roommates”, and shared the extra bedroom in her apartment area. At times they were my parents, she was a second mom to Vickie and her three girls, to Kendall, and for nearly a year, to Bonita. Bonita named her “Madam”.  The two continued to share birthday cards, lunches and dinners when Bo came for her annual visit.  Maria had the exceptional ability to share wisdom, stories and create remarkable connections with complete strangers who became beloved. 
The reason she was able to transcend nearly 10 decades of life is that her values never wavered. Even though she saw history change; from her birth she witnessed: the Titantic, 2 world wars, automation, the invention of the Oreo cookie, crossword puzzles, the telephone, TV, Castro and much more. Throughout these changes she was resolute in her values.
She valued “fiercely” the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, she was able to communicate her beliefs and stand her own. She was an example, a role model. She thought that you should take care of yourself, dressing up meant respecting those around you, she thought you should work hard every day, create daily habits, live up to your own expectations, stand up when required and FORGIVE always. That lesson was the most difficult for me to grasp because sometimes it was immediate. One second she’d be in a toe to toe heated “debate” and in seconds turn into little miss sunshine. Sometimes those differences of opinions would take a week or two to resolve…BUT she ALWAYS was true to her relationships. She never let go of the most important value of life…BE present to those you love.  I will live in gratitude to her for the lessons she brought to our family and especially my children. I know that she will live on in them. That is a gift.


 A commonly used phrase: She lit up the room.  I’m not sure it’s ever been as true than with my abuela (or as my friends refer to as THE abuela).  She lived life with so much energy, so much passion, and so much confidence.  She was such a fun person to be around, always.  Regardless of the occasion… a sporting event, graduation, or even a trip to the grocery store… people were drawn to her personality.  I would leave her alone for 2 minutes, and when I got back, she would be chatting it up with complete strangers.  

During the last 98 years, Maria’s life story is incredible in many ways.  She lived a luxurious life in Cuba, before migrating to the United States during Castro’s uprising.  Starting over with next to nothing and Spanish as a first language, she moved around from Miami to New York to DC and built a comfortable life.  Despite all of this adversity, she always had a smile on her face and the ability to laugh at anything – never once showing the scar tissue from the hardships of her past.  Never feeling sorry for herself, but always appreciating what she had.  So impressive.  Her laugh is something I will always remember – I would often times just smile and laugh with her, sometimes not even knowing why other than it looked like a good time.  



She appreciated the little things in life… reading the paper in the morning, an apple pie from McDonalds, a trip to Nordstrom’s, a game of dominoes, and a glass of Beaujolais wine at night.  However, above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, no matter the activity.  She constantly showed us her love and support, discretely handing us $20 every now and again… which was always followed with, “No digas as tu papa,” which translates to “don’t tell your father”… encouraging us to spend the money on something that would make us happy.  

I learned so much from my time with her and gained invaluable life perspective that I will have with me forever.  There will be times when life kicks me to the ground, and I will always overcome it with a smile on my face… just like my abuela.  I’m fortunate and grateful that I was able to spend so much quality time with her… and I’m a better person because of it.  

Vaya con Dios.  Te quiero mucho y hasta luego.


My condolences to you all. She was such a wonderful woman. I loved her vivacious personality. Her sweetness always made me feel so comfortable. All the memories will stay close in my heart. 
Mariaelena and Family

Esther was a true lady. She embodied the spirit of a Cuban woman from Havana.. We shared a few adventures when she visited my son and daughter-in-law in New York.  One time we went all the way to Union City, NJ by bus to pickup my granddaughter ‘s First Communion mementos. I slipped and we started laughing so much we almost fell down together. She was always so positive and enjoyed every minute of every day. She was a remarkable woman, elegant and sophisticated, yet at the same time down to earth and very loving to all especially her family. 

Esther was a force of nature with a strong a vibrant character. She was
the mother figure that my wife Ana needed after her mother passed
away. Her loyalty and dedication to her family set an example for all.
She was loving and kind to me and I will never forget her. May she rest
in peace in the arms of God for all eternity.






Tia Esther was pretty, always elegantly dressed for any occasion, funny, stubborn, opinionated and a very avant-garde woman. She loved her wine, whiskey in her younger years, loved to dance and tell jokes. She always gave you her input whether you wanted it or not.

In her older years she was very reminiscent of her little island of Cuba and her memories made her long to go back.

One anecdote that I will never forget was our trip to Kinkos. She wanted to copy some family pictures for me, she would not let me drive, even though she was already in her early 90’s and using her cane. She passed the driveway entrance to the store and was very upset, I told her to go to the next signal make a right and then a u turn; she made the right turn and went all the way to the next corner and said that she did not wanted to go to the belt way. I told her again to make a u turn, she put the car in reverse, and I don’t know if she even checked the rear view mirror. She went over the curve and finally made the u turn. We got to the light and when our turn came she proceeded to make a left turn except that we ended on the wrong side of the divider, facing the oncoming traffic. I told her we needed to trade places and I have never seen her go so fast around the car holding on to it without her cane. When I was in the driver seat I turned the headlights on and was trying to figure out how to get to the other side of the divider; if I jumped the curve the under carriage would have been trashed. I started looking through the rear view mirror for the light to change so I could slowly back up and go on to the other side of the divider. We managed to do it; however she did not want to go to Kinkos anymore and we returned to the house. I forgot to turn the headlights off, and the battery died; Alfredo had to charge it, and she did not let me forget it.

She lived a full long life, and as the song, “I did it my way” goes, she did it her way all the way.

She leaves a big void in all of our lives 

I am so sad about the passing of Tia Esther. She was a woman who lived life on her terms and truly made the most of her 98 years! I will hold my memories of her close and dear - particularly her visits to New York and my visits to Virginia, including the many Thanksgivings we spent together (basically every year of my life!) I will miss waking up in her apartment the day after Thanksgiving and being treated to scrambled eggs, toast, and Spanish language television (and being asked repeatedly if I was sure that was all I wanted for breakfast...it was). Every time she called me on the phone she'd tell me she was proud of me. So yes, I am sad, but I'm also privileged to have had Tia Esther in my life.

I had the privilege of meeting Mrs Perez while in high school and she grew into a cherished "second mom" to our family over the intervening decades . A woman rich in the important things of life - health, family, friends, enjoyment.

She was fiercely devoted to her son Alfredo and his family as well as her niece among others - the commitment and effort was constant throughout her life.

She was a class act in every respect - elegant, cultured, dressed to " the 9s!'

She was fully engaged in life and her family/friends up to the end - fiercely passionate, patriotic, a woman of determination and opinions  - never shying away from the discussion nor the issue. Always binging joy to others through cooking and listening

She possessed a quiet deep faith - that gave her strength, courage and unlimited hope in the future.

Mrs Perez was truly a grand dame that is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed - we cherish her memory, our good fortune and will toast her especially on our Cuban-Italian Christmas Eve celebrations!

I met Mrs. Perez when I was in 5th grade.  Many many memories. Such as her driving the car pool in High School. Let's just say she drove the same way she lived her life.  Fast and "stay out of my way".  For years we have celebrated a joint Cuban Italian dinner on Christmas Eve. The Perez's are family to us and she was always the central figure. She lived a great life for 98 years. And my wife Deb, Alfredo's god son Billy, and Matthew will miss her greatly. 

I love and will miss Mrs. Perez.  She was and is amazing—her smile and sparkle in her eyes could do more than light up a room, they could light up an entire stadium!   So warm and loving,   Every time I see her I’d receive a firm hug, and she would  ask “How is your family?  How is San Francisco?”   She is a shining role model for all of us whose lives she’s touched.  May we all strive to brighten the days of family and friends the way she brightened ours.   Thoughts and prayers to Alfredo, Dawn, Dean, Chris, Nicole, and everyone there, as you honor a loving mother and grandmother, and a life well lived.   Love, Chris 

More than a dear friend,  Esther was like family as we both shared the love  she had for her niece Ana Maria who,  since she was a little girl,  has also been a niece to me.    Esther was a very charming and caring person with a great sense of humor.    Her laughter was contagious and  I will always remember it  when  thinking  of her.   I  was  lucky  to have known Esther through more than fifty years  and will  sorely miss the warm  and lasting friendship we enjoyed during all that time.

My love and sympathy go to Esther's son Alfred,  his wife Dawn,  his  grandchildren Alfred, Christopher and Nichole, and  her niece  Ana Maria.

Nena 



    

Tia Esther could always put a positive spin on any situation. She was amazing! She never gave up and would always outlast me whether we were shopping (her favorite activity), visiting friends or family, or generally hanging around.  I was always fascinated by her stories and her joy. As a little girl she spoiled me and continued to do so as I grew up. She was my Godmother and when my Mom Kika passed away she became my second mom. She was always there for me. We did not always get along perfectly but I loved her very much and I know she loved me too.
The thought that keeps recurring in my mind and one I know she followed daily is, "Every morning get up, shower, dress as nicely as possible, put on some make-up, and go outside. If you have money go get coffee and take a walk, if you don't, take a walk anyway and always smile." 
Un beso Tia. Te quiero mucho.

I met my dear aunt Ester when I was eight years old.  I loved her instantly.  Tia (aunt) was a beautiful, elegant, generous and fun person.   My uncle beamed in her presence.  She was the love of his life.  I remember days spent with them at the beach in Cuba, and any day with them was sure to be a fun day. Always ready for an adventure,  she loved  life and was the life of the party. She  loved her family and was very proud of them.  After my uncle passed away, she used to tell me how much she missed him.  I hope she is in a peaceful place laughing at his side.
Tia had a life well and fully lived, I will miss her.




One thing I could count on is that my Abuela would always be up for shopping. She could shop and shop and shop until she could not walk anymore. Whether or not she actually bought anything is beside the point. Because it wasn't about the items she got, it was about the fun of looking in stores. One time my dad, my Abuela, and I were at Tysons and shopped for hours. She said she needed a break and we went into a store for twenty minutes. When we got back she was no longer in the chair resting. We found her in Easy Spirit looking at shoes. We continued walking around the mall for a couple more hours until my dad and I finally dragged her home because we couldn't walk anymore. Then she would drag us back the next weekend to return everything and start the whole process over again.

OBITUARY

Maria Esther Perez

September 10, 1920 – September 26, 2018

Demaine Funeral Home

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