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Elena Najera-Perez Obituary
Elena Nájera-Pérez passed away at her home on May 13, 2011 due to an accidental drowning. She was 58 years old.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Joseph Pérez, daughter Monica Uriarte, mother Epifania L. Nájera, brothers John Nájera, Martin V. Nájera, and Roberto Nájera and wife Cecilia Nájera, sisters Olga Nájera -Ramirez and husband Ronaldo Ramirez, and Alicia Najera and husband Russell Rodriguez, nieces Jasmine Nájera and husband Avery Keller, Elisa Ramirez, Breena Nájera, Shelly Nájera, and grandniece Amani Keller.
Born in Santa Cruz and raised in Davenport, she also lived in Oakland, Union City, Castro Valley, and Martinez. She attended Pacific Elementary School, Mission Hill Jr. High, Santa Cruz High, Cabrillo College, and Cal State Hayward. She spent her career working as a legal secretary and human resources manager. Her employers included Santa Cruz County Court House, Rankin & Dupont Law Office Santa Cruz, Brobeck Fleger & Harrison, Morgan Lewis, and Severson & Werson. She attended services at the Calvary Temple in Concord.
Elena helped raise her younger siblings after the passing of her father when she was 11 years old. Elena had numerous attributes: she was incredibly patient with everyone, a good listener, a woman of integrity, had a strong work ethic, was good humored and had a playful spirit. She was introspective and always strived to understand and be understood. She loved engaging in conversation. Music & dancing played an important part of her life, and devoted over 30 years to Mexican Folklórico dance as a performer and instructor.
Her greatest pride was her daughter. She lovingly explained life's lessons to her, and Monica has grown to be a wonderful and intelligent woman with a beautiful spirit. She is a fine testament to Elena.
Memorial service will be held at the Christian Life Center, 1009 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, from 2:00 to 4:00 on Saturday, July 9th, 2011. In lieu, donations may be made to local charities.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elena Najera-Perez
Christina Perez-Morales
May 12, 2019
Happy Mothers Day in heaven Elena! You are so missed by our family Especially Rich!
Luis Armando Najera Lozano
February 23, 2018
Mi Padre se llamo Jose Eugenio Najera Perez, en Nacio en 1908 y Murio en el año de 1972
Jasmine Najera
June 29, 2011
Dear Friends and Family: On behalf of the Nájera family, we write to express our gratitude for your condolences and support during this very difficult time.
Please join us for a gather honoring the memory of Elena:
Saturday, July 9, 2011
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Christian Life Center
1009 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santacruzsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=elena-najera-perez&pid=151112035
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email or by phone (831-425-7325 or 831-345-1731).
Please help us by forwarding this message to others.
Sincerely, Olga, Alicia & Jasmine
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A toast to you!
June 15, 2011
Alicia Najera
June 15, 2011
Elena: Last night I had a dream, and saw that you were alive... the horrible nightmare and shock of your death was simply not true!! I was happy that you would now get to hear (and read) all the wonderful things that people are saying about you, the impact you had on all of our lives, and just how much you are loved. I often look at the pictures I have gathered spanning your life and find that comforting. I miss you, but I know that your spirit is still with us. I hope we all remember to follow your “recipe” for life: to be compassionate, to seek to understand and be understood, to communicate, and, lest we all be too serious, to remember to be playful. Thank you Elena for being a great older sister, a friend, and a confidant.
Charlene Carnell
June 14, 2011
I will always remember your kindness to me at Brobeck. Your mild mannered and soft spoken ways helped bring a calm spirit to situations. You were such a lady .... you will truly be missed! My condolances to your family, but even though they have lost you at a young age they can close their eyes for a moment of a lifetime of happiness you've brought to them. I know you will do god's work in your quite way and will be there to greet us all at with open arms at heavens gate when we come to walk through the valley with you.
Much love ... you will truly, truly be missed.
Christina Perez-Morales
May 30, 2011
Our family had the privilege of knowing Elena when she married our brother Richard. He found the love of his life and we were so happy for them. We enjoyed many family gatherings with Elena and Monica and have so many happy memories that we will never forget. We loved Elena and called her our Sister. She was a sweet gentle soul and I know she is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts are saddened for Monica, Richard and all her family and siblings. Thank you Lord for the time we had with her. She will always be in our hearts.
May 27, 2011
May 27,11
Elena,
When we (the Keller Family) first met you,at Christmas time, you show us much love, especially your dancing. Thank you so much for giving us that. Most of all thank you for opening your heart, arms, and home to my son (Avery). You make no different with my son before and after he & Jaz got married thank YOU for that, most of all (you) loved our Amani, Jaz and Avery little one. I know you are in God's arms smiling and saying, Thank you for everything families for giving me LOVE.
The Keller Family, Hanford and San Fran. CA
Sandy Gifford
May 24, 2011
I,too, met Elena at Brobeck. I've read all the tributes to her and now know she was a guiding light to everyone who knew her as she was to me. Her family's loss is great as is ours. I only hope that I told her enough times how she helped me to change my view of life.
Lety Ruiz
May 20, 2011
Elenita, mi querida prima:
A mi como a toda la familia, nos duele enormemente tu partida, y lamentamos profundamente el no poder estar con la familia en estos momentos tan dolorosos, y solo espero que la luz que deja tu recuerdo ayuda a todos a mitigar esta pena tan grande. Siempre te recordaremos con mucho cariño.
Tu prima Lety.
steve snyder
May 20, 2011
I worked with Elena at Brobeck, Phleger and Harrison. The warm recollections I have of that firm are based in great measure on my good fortune of having Elena and so many other wonderful people who made up the Brobeck family as friends and colleagues.
I, like many others I am sure, believed that Elena was special even within this group. While we all worked very hard for our clients those many years, Elena did so with extraordinary grace, kindness and compassion. She always had a smile to share, a hand to extend in help, and the ability to listen and understand in a way that assured you that she cared and would try her best to help.
Elena’s remarkable beauty was not just skin deep. It’s radiance came from the core. Her untimely passing is a great loss to all of us who had the great privilege to know her and to claim her as a friend.
Steve Snyder
Former Chair of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison
Monica Zuniga
May 20, 2011
Elena was an excellent example of a dignified woman. I enjoyed her company tremendously. She always had a good word of encouragement and congratulations. I have memories of fun times touring and dancing in the 70's and 80's; and enjoying talks at ANGF conferences and lunches in Walnut Creek.
Rest in peace my friend and mentor.
Much LOVE always ~
MONICA ZUNIGA
Always smiling and beautiful!
May 20, 2011
Jasmine Najera
May 20, 2011
My Tia Elena was one of the most genuine people I have ever come across in my life. She was loving, supportive, sensitive and engaged in such meaningful relationships with those around her. She was an amazing mother to Monica and they had such a special bond.
I will cherish so many special memories that I was lucky enough to share with Tia Elena and the rest of our family. It is with these memories that Tia Elena's spirit will always be present even if she is physically no longer here with us.
Thank you Tia Elena for being such a wonderful aunt and an amazing woman!
Melissa Sales
May 19, 2011
Elena,
Everytime you spoke, your words were thoughtful and profound. You were so patient and the love you had for Monica was amazing to watch. I remember the last time I was over, you were on your end of the house and Monica and I on hers. You were in the bathtub and you called Monica on her cellphone just to let her know how much you loved her and were proud of her, because you were thinking of her in that moment and it couldn't wait. You brought into this world my incredible, lifelong friend and made her who she is today. For that I can never thank you enough. I will surely miss you, Elena.
Jeri Cramer
May 19, 2011
Elena,
Rest in peace. May God be with you.
Victoria Poulsen
May 19, 2011
I am very saddened to learn of Elena's passing. I only had the opportunity to work with Elena for a short time here at Morgan Lewis but I found her to be a gracious and understanding woman. Even her office was warm, inviting and elegant, just as she was. My deepest condolences to Elena's loved ones.
Anita Paniagua-Garcia
May 19, 2011
To Elena's family - May God put his arms around you to comfort you at this trying time. I knew Elena through folklorico dance and she touched many lives as a caring and compasionate person. She will be missed dearly!.
Jazzercise
May 18, 2011
It was a pleasure to know you Elena......what a beautiful woman with a gentle spirit. Thanks the memories-Our sincere condolences to Monica and all of Elena's family and loved ones.......We will miss you......
Love,
All of your Jazzercise friends
Estela Ruiz
May 18, 2011
Aunque la distancia es mucha los lazos familiares no se pueden romper por ese motivo,la tristeza y el dolor que nos deja Elenita es muy grande y ese vacio que nos deja jamas se suple con nada.Siempre la llevare en mi corazon. Y ahi estoy no en persona estan todos ustedes en mis recuedos en mi alma,los quiero mucho y que tengan mucha fortaleza y consuelo. Su prima Estela.
May 18, 2011
To Elena's friends and Family, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I went to school with Elena since 7th grade and she was and will contine to be a wonderful person. Take Care, Mary Lennon
Nick Massa
May 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Alex Camarena
May 18, 2011
I really can't believe still. till this point I'm still very shocked. I really have no words to say to Monica and Her closest family. I cannot imagine how it is to lose a mother like that and especially somebody like Elena. I'm very fortunate I had the pleasure to be around her for about 5 years. I'll never forget everything she did for me and my family and how much she tried help us. She will be in my prayers and I hope Monica, Ruben, Rich and her family recover from this big loss.
John Dorning
May 18, 2011
Elena was a client of ours for many, many years when she turned to us looking for candidates and later we even had the privilege of placing her in her last job. So we worked with Elena on both sides of our business but in the end it didn’t really matter which side we dealt with her on. You always had an honest, kind, open minded and warm person when interacting with her. We always knew she was special, so I can’t imagine the grief and loss that her family and close friends are experiencing. People like Elena don’t come along very often and I’m glad to have known her.
Candida Rubalcaba-Rivera
May 18, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Elena 5 and half years ago when she hired me to work at Morgan Lewis. I will always be grateful to her for being the best HR manager - someone who cared about her colleagues and treated others with respect. I am deeply saddened by her passing. I will always remember her smile and voice. My thoughts and condolences go out to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Buffy Abad
May 18, 2011
If there was one word to describe Elena it would be "Lady" she was a true lady and a wonderful friend and confidant. She will be missed by many at our firm and treasured always. Rest in peace Elena. Buffy Abad - Severson & Werson.
Lynda Rosenblatt
May 18, 2011
To Elena's friends and family ... I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Elena for a very long time. We worked together at the Brobeck firm for years, and then at Morgan Lewis. She was a pleasure to work with and talk to. We will all miss her.
Chris and Bianca McCauley
May 18, 2011
To Alicia and your family, we are deeply saddened by this tragic news of the loss of your beloved sister. Thinking of you with love during this difficult time.
Bridget Mullins
May 18, 2011
Elena hired me at Morgan Lewis in 2004. I later told her many times that she was the best manager I had ever had and that she was the reason I accepted the job. She treated everyone with respect and dignity and in turn we loved and respected her. I will always remember how she helped me during the illness and death of my mother. I will miss her very much.
Irma Ramirez-Vega
May 18, 2011
My heart is heavy and so sad for the untimely loss of our friend Elena. I hope that the memories you created together give you strength as you grieve her loss. My heartfelt sympathy to Dona Epifania, our friends and neighbors familia Najera and of course to Elena's daughter and husband. I extend this sentiment on behalf of my Father Apolonio too. Irma Ramirez-Vega
Cindy Olimpio-Escobar
May 18, 2011
To all my dear friend of the Najera family, words can not express how I feel about the loss of a dear friend. Helen, as I knew her, was a great roll model and will be missed my many. Codolences and deepest sympathy to each and every one of you.
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