Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Alice Perez Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alice Perez
Sponsored by Tina Perez ♡ and Toni Holley ♡ .
Toni Holley
April 21, 2021
Mommy,
Today we honor what would have been your 86th birthday and last Sunday past we observed the 10th anniversary when angels lifted you home to be with our Lord and all the loved ones that went before. Just as they prepared a place for you in heaven, I know you and Poppy are readying a place for us. You were always the brightest light in any room.
Now you are the brightest light in the
sky. We will all carry that bright light in our hearts till we are together again.
Missing you always...
Love,
Toni
CRISTINA TRIMBLE
May 4, 2020
I think of Alice often. She and Richard were the best neighbors my parents could have. There was a genuine love and respect that went both ways. Alice was a ray of sunshine that never dimmed. She wrote a poem for my father when he passed away in 1996. She read it at his wake. I had a copy of her special words framed. She was an amazing woman and a blessing on this earth.
Toni Holley
April 21, 2020
Mommy,
Thinking of you as you would have celebrated
your 85th birthday today. We cherish every birthday we had with you and the radiant light you cast upon everyone.
We had to say our final goodbye to you 9 years ago today..the day you would turn 76. We still feel protected and loved by you.That will never go away. We will see you and Poppy one day. Love you.
Toni Holley
March 16, 2020
Mommy,
Nine years ago today, you and Poppy celebrated your 57th anniversary. And the next month, God called you home. Today would be your 66th anniversary and I know that Poppy is there with you. And if Heaven has a dance floor, I would like to think that you are dancing away eternity in each other's arms..we loved watching you dance together when we were kids.. keep dancing until we see you both again.
Love you.
Toni Holley
April 21, 2019
Mommy,
Thinking of you today on Easter Sunday and what would have been your 84th birthday. Although you left us too soon, you gave us enough love to last us lifetimes! You said you were ready to go, so your soul took flight, bravely taking a journey that we must all face alone.i hope heaven is everything that i hope it will be when you greet me with arms outstretched and welcome me home. You are loved more than you can ever know and always will be.
Patrick Hayes
November 2, 2018
If we are within God and God is within us, our loved ones our more present to us now in a way that we are not yet able to comprehend Peace, Licha.
Toni Holley
April 21, 2018
Happy Birthday Mommy..
You continue to be the light of our lives, the love in our hearts and the voice of reason that guides us each day.
Love you.
Pat Hayes
November 1, 2017
11/2/1017
On this All Souls Day we remember those who have touched our lives and continue to be present in ways unknown.
Perhaps they are not stars but openings in heaven...where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
(Eskimo proverb)
Toni Holley
April 21, 2017
On what would have been your 82nd birthday...
Thinking of you and wishing for what could have been.
I celebrate your life and love and everything you gave us.
Love you.
Toni Holley
December 18, 2016
Mommy,
This 18th of the month finds us in San Antonio with Erin.
No doubt you know that. I pray that her surgery goes well and you will keep her safe.
I pray that you continue to bask in the sunlight of God's light and love. Thank you for keeping watch over all of us and keeping us safe and we'll.
I miss you so much...my heart still hurts but good memories help to heal the void that has been left by your absence.
You are a wonderful wife,mother, Grandmother and great grandmother.
,
Toni Holley
November 18, 2016
Mommy,
I can't believe it's 5 yrs, 7 mos since we had to let you go.
Each day is a journey and I'm in a better place. I don't cry everytime I try to talk about you or tell a story. I never thought that day would come..it's still hard not to have you here so I can share a story, a picture , my heart.
I know it is beautiful where you are and now your brother has joined you. I know you were there to meet him..one day we shall all be together ..till then you're in my thoughts, my heart and my soul.
Love you!
Patrick Hayes
November 1, 2016
November 2, 2016 - All Souls Day
Dear Licha,
You remain so strong in many hearts and continue to bless and inspire from your place in heaven. May your loved ones know the peace of your presence now and share your presence once again forever.
I feel you in the sunrise ... having known the warmth of your touch
I feel you in the rain ... for the tears you shed in joy and sorrow
I feel you in the breeze ... for words used to comfort and encourage
And in the sunset ... I find hope for a life to be shared with you again ...
Toni Holley
October 18, 2016
Mommy,
I know that heaven welcomed a new angel to the fold. And I am sure that you were there to great him.
I suppose we take comfort if we think of heaven as just another community where we all aspire to be one day and reunite with the people we loved...still love..and who loved us.
Still trying to get used to the fact that you are not physically with us any more...so I wait for your visits in my dreams.
Love you and miss you still-each and every day.
Toni Holley
July 19, 2016
Mommy,
It seems like the 18th of the month that falls on a Monday has become a significant day and date.
We've been given another challenge today and I know that you will be there to help give us strength and comfort each step of the way.
We don't know what the future holds and we are never promised tomorrow..but we can make the most of our time as we take each day one at a time.
Love you.
Toni
Toni Holley
June 18, 2016
Hi Mommy,
I wanted to thank you for the beautiful sunset you and God sent us yesterday. RH and I were in his jeep and the wind was blowing in our hair..we looked up and saw the beautiful orange sun, pink sky and white rays of light and I knew it had to be you!
Thank you for always letting me know you are still here with me in everything beautiful and everything good.
You would have loved riding in the jeep with no roof!
Toni Holley
May 18, 2016
Mommy,
I'm sorry this will be dated the 19th instead of the 18th...
Spent the evening watching RH graduate with his masters!
You would be so proud..Erin received her masters last year about this time.
It's such a busy week. Richard and I celebrated our 41st
wedding anniversary. Unbelievable! Tara & Andrew just celebrated their 10th...I have such good memories of you and my poppy there . especially loved our long walk on the beach, you and I.
Nathan turns 1 tomorrow.. I keep trying to imagine you with all your great grand babies all around you..what a beautiful sight that would have been! But I imagine it in my mind and feel it in my heart. Just as I feel you in my heart every day, every where we go, so do you.
Love always..
Toni Holley
May 8, 2016
Mommy,
It's Mother's Day and also the day your memorial was printed in the paper those 5 years ago. I suppose it was meant to be.
I was thinking about the last Mother's Day you were still with us. Tara had just had Evan about 3 weeks prior. Strange to think that her first Mother's Day would be your last one. I remember when she and I called you but you weren't feeling that well that day and the call was brief.
I never imagined that would be the last time I would wish you a Happy Mother's
Day. You just never know when it will be the last time for anything.
I hope you continue to be proud of us as we could not be any prouder or more grateful to call you our Mother.
Although you are not here for us to honor in the physical sense, we can still honor your memory and the wonderful person we knew. By living our lives with grace, humility, kindness, forgiveness and love...just as you lived your life, we share and carry on in your name.
For me, doing that honors your life and memory...and that brings me happiness.
Happy Mother's Day with love and wonderful memories of you always.
Toni Holley
April 21, 2016
Mommy,
On what would have been your 81st birthday, I am thinking of you with love and a heart that knows you are at peace and free from earthly incumberances.
I have faith that we will be together when the Lord decides our time here has expired and we are rewarded with a reunion of spirit and love with you and Him.
I am so grateful that our final goodbye to you was on your birthday..truly a gift sent to us from Heaven.
I hope you knew how loved you were while you were physically with us. But know that that love will never be broken and that we all feel you still with us in everything we do and wherever we are.
Toni Holley
April 18, 2016
Dearest Mommy,
We've gathered together to memorialize and celebrate your life on this 5th anniversary.
You gave so much and loved so deeply throughout your life. Continuing to mourn your passing with sadness and pain would overshadow the light in which you lived and in which you left us.
The passing of time has helped us get to the point where I can share a story or memory and not cry from sadness but I can smile with a warmth of remembering your voice, a certain look, your laugh, your ability to comfort, your sense of humor, your kindness to always see the best in every human being, and the joy to see any one of us make you smile.
Richard and I learned a lot from you..before you got sick but deep lessons on how to live life when things aren't 100% perfect.
So we've tried to emulate your courage, bravery, faith, hope and live during our own illnesses and challenges.
You certainly taught us how to live fully with illness and also how to prepare when a long life on this Earth is no longer .
Richard and I are grateful that our illnesses occurred after you were gone. You would have felt helpless in not being able to do for us. But we know that from where you watch over us, you have cradled us in your love and care and guided us through.
As we think of you today, there will be tears of course but there will also be smiles and chuckles. There will be sweet memories and then some that will be hard to think about. Nevertheless, they are the ties that bind us to you and to each other forever.
Love you.
Patrick Hayes
March 26, 2016
Through baptism into his death we were buried with him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him through likeness to his death, so shall we be through a like resurrection. (Rm 6:4-5)
Happy Easter, Licha!
Toni Holley
March 18, 2016
Mommy,
Another 18th of a new month..another message of faith, hope and love.
I miss you dearly and miss hearing your voice, your laugh and your reassurance that everything is going to be alright.
I'm hopeful that you are at peace and readying each of our places there with you.
Love you.
Toni Holley
February 19, 2016
Mommy,
If heaven has a garden, a kitchen and a choir, I know you were busy
celebrating my Tata's birthday in glorious fashion!
There is comfort in knowing that if you can no longer be with us, that you have been reunited with your parents.
What a blessing and a gift to know that we will be together again in a beautiful place where pain, sadness and tears don't exist.
Until the day our Lord decides when our time on earth is through, keep watch over my poppy, your girls and our families.
Missing you still..everyday.
Patrick Hayes
December 23, 2015
Dear Licha,
Merry Christmas! As we celebrate the presence of God's love born into the world, I want to thank you for the presence of God that you were - to your loved ones, friends, and all those you encountered in life. Whether it was a lifetime of moments your family was blessed to share with you, or just a tiny fragment as it was for me such a long, long time ago - you birthed the presence of God into our lives just by who you were. That's what it means to live Christmas.
You now share in the communion of saints and I would like to thank you for the recent spiritual kick in the pants that has been such a spark. I would ask you to pray for me - for continued strength, courage, and inspiration. I will pray for your loved ones, that their lives will mirror your legacy through times of difficulty and joy. We all look to that occasion when Christmas will not be one day on the calendar, but a timeless moment that is now your reality.
Give our best to Jesus
Toni Holley
December 18, 2015
Mommy,
Four years and 8 months...sometimes it feels like yesterday and sometimes it feels like forever..but despite time and distance, I can still hear your voice, your laugh. I remember the last time I heard you say my name.
Despite what my mind may not remember as time goes on, my heart will always remember.
Love you..
Toni Holley
November 18, 2015
Mommy,
I'm thinking back to five years ago when I came for Thanksgiving and stayed till mid-February...you didn't believe I had come for that long..but no matter how much time there, it would never be long enough.
As the holidays make their way around again, I am going to hold on to memories of holidays when we were growing up and the wonderful memories of the holidays in 2010.
We laughed, we cried, we did karaoke for you. You,poppy,the girls and me were together as family once
again after so many years of my living away.
I cherish each and every minute of those 3 months..memories for my lifetime. ..love you and miss you.
Patrick Hayes
November 2, 2015
On this All Souls Day we remember ... They have gone no further from us than to God -- And God is near.
Toni Holley
October 18, 2015
Mommy,
Thinking of you as October moves forward...October 2010 was the last time we went to Mt Lemmon..we opened up the sun roof, enjoyed the fresh air & turned up the music!
We got to the top and we parked under the trees...the leaves were changing color and there was a nice breeze..we sat there and listened to the rustling of the leaves..
I was grateful to be there with you but I knew in my heart that would be the last time up there with you..
Thank you for such a lasting memory for my heart and my soul.
Toni Holley
August 18, 2015
It still shakes me when I come to the guest book and see your picture, see the dates of your birth and your death...and can't believe 4 yrs and 4 mos. have passed.
Who would have thought in that time, the great grandkids would come to total 10! I always knew that the four of us brought you joy...you were such a young grandmother..I would give anything to have seen you surrounded by all 10 great grands...
So today the youngest turned 3 mos.
I take you with me in my heart as we go see evan and nathan...evan knows who you and my poppy are..so you will never be forgotten..just so sad that they didn't get to know their nani..
Love you..
Patrick Hayes
June 30, 2015
Not sure you would remember me Maybe Toni or your dad. I have very distant, yet deeply fond memories of times as a child the K of C events/outings our parents involved families with, the softball games at parks like Oury and Menlo. And memories of your mom Always seemed to have a smile, a pleasant demeanor. Felt like a true blessing to be in her presence.
I recently returned to the Tucson area with my wife, wanting to finish a career in Catholic education at my alma mater (v.p. at Salpointe). Saw Ben and Mary Lou Coronado who shared the sad news.
From a spiritual/theological perspective Your mom can't wait to share with all of us what she now feels, what she now sees with the beatific vision.
Peace be with you all.
Toni Holley
June 18, 2015
Mommy,
You are still the song in my heart, the light of my life and the essence of all that is good.
Continue to watch over us and keep us safe from harm.
You are missed more than you could ever imagine. You told us not to be sad but how could we not be. But I have to believe that the rewards of heaven outweigh the tears, sadness and pain.
Rest peacefully until I see you again.
Toni Holley
May 18, 2015
Mommy...
I know I don't have to tell you what a wonderful weekend we had because I know you were watching over us..
But I had to let you know..it was wonderful...Erin graduated with her masters degree, RH is halfway through getting his, Richard and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary and in a few hours, on May 19th, your 10th great grand child,Nathan, will be born.
Life does go on and you are still a part of everything we do.
Love you and thank you for watching over all of it.
Toni Holley
May 10, 2015
Mommy
Mother's Day isn't the same without you...but you are forever remembered for your unconditional love, your kindness, your strength, your courage, your compassion, your laughter, your hugs, your ability to make us feel so special and so important in your life..
Even though I can't see you, you show yourself to me in many ways everyday.
My love is with you always
Toni Holley
April 21, 2015
I hope you'll forgive me for not writing on the 18th....I chose to write to you today on your birthday instead. I choose to celebrate the day you were born..The day your light filled so many lives...it brings such a sense of wonder that even then you were destined to be my mother and I your daughter.
You were there for me with every step, at every turn..good..bad...happy..sad..
You always had such hopes for us to have satisfying, enriched and loving lives.
Thank you for always believing in me, for loving me unconditionally, and letting me spread my wings to fly.
It seems like part of God's plan to have been able to see you at peace and say our last goodbye, caress your forehead and kiss your cheek one last time on your birthday.
That was truly a gift to us.
My heart is with you as is my love...
Toni Holley
March 18, 2015
Mommy..
It's so strange to look back to march 18, 2011 and think that we had no clue that we would only have you for one more month.
I wonder what you were thinking each day of that last month; what your body was feeling; did you know that your journey to heaven was underway?
You fought with courage, you lived with hope and faith, and you faced death with dignity and grace.
From the time we were born till the minute you left us, you continued to teach us lessons that would guide us throughout our lives and ultimately to our death.
I hope we can make you proud that we learned our lessons well.
Sleep with the little angels.....
Toni Holley
February 18, 2015
Mommy,
I've tried my best to write every month but February has always been different than the other months..it was my Tata's birthday.
I find some comfort that when you were called to heaven, it was April, the birth month you shared with Nana. And the date was the 18th, Tata 's birth date.
Somehow it makes sense that those pieces should fit together. It connects you to each of them and I keep that in my heart. You belonged to them before we could call you ours. It was meant to be..
I hope that heaven has reunited you with Nana and Tata and that you will all be waiting for us when God calls each one of us home.
Love always.
toni Holley
January 18, 2015
Mommy,
It's hard to believe another year is behind us and a new year ahead of us.
You would be over the moon with the prospect of 3 new great-grandbabies! Two more boys and a girl...you are truly sending us blessings from heaven! Continue to watch over these little souls until they make their way to us.
The days turn into months and then into years but it doesn't get any easier not having you here. I guess we're still learning to live with the emptiness and the void in our hearts.
Love you...
Toni Holley
December 18, 2014
Another month...another December...another Christmas season.
Mommy,
Yes..we still count every single day without you and we still hold the 18th of each month with bittersweet memory..it was the last day we had with you and the beginning of the first day without you.
Sleep in heavenly peace with all the little angels.
Love
toni holley
November 18, 2014
Mommy,
I'm sorry I missed writing to you last month. But you know why. And you were there with us as we enjoyed our time with Evan, Tara and Andrew.
But it seems you have been very busy in heaven..you've seen fit to send our family three baby angels next year!!
I know that your spirit and essence will be in each one of those little people you are sending down to us from heaven in March, April and
May..
We still miss you so much. That will never change. Of course, holidays, birthdays, new babies make us wish you were here to enjoy it all with us.
But then I see a sunrise, a sunset, the night sky full of stars, a summer rain, a hummingbird where one would not expect to see one, and I
am reminded you are still here..In the beauty that is nature.
Loving you and missing you..
toni holley
September 18, 2014
Growing up we never realized that everyday life that we took for granted would become precious memories one day. That one day came much too soon.
You gave us so much to look back on and those moments of joy, love and fun comfort us now.
They keep me company and remind me how lucky I was to be loved by you.
Love you..
toni holley
August 19, 2014
Mommy,
You are so missed and so loved...I don't think the heartache will ever go away..it doesn't seem fair that in order for your pain to stop, we had to let you go and give you back to God. The only comforts are that you are no longer suffering and that you are where we all will be together again one day.
love always....
toni holley
July 18, 2014
Mommy,
How very much you were with us last Saturday...we were all together with Poppy in your backyard...it was amazing to see 4 generations of our family enjoying your beautiful yard.
It would have warmed your heart to see all your great grandkids all playing together..to see your grandchildren growing into adults making their way in life..to see your 4 "little" girls becoming the older generation..but I know you were there..watching us from heaven but also lovingly present in each heart that loves you so much..we love you and miss you so much...that will never stop.
Toni Holley
June 18, 2014
Another 18th of the month and I always start by reading your obituary. I look at your little face staring back at me and read the words. Even after 3yrs and 2 months, it still doesn't seem real. But it is..and as we wait for our time to meet our Heavenly Father, we will cherish every day we have on
earth with the beautiful family you had to leave behind. Your legacy and love continues not only with your children but with your grandchildren and greatgrandchildren as well. You loved life and you loved your family...it would be sad if we didn't do the same....I can't think of a more fitting tribute to you than to make the most of what we have...you always did...no matter what, you always let laughter, love and the light of the world be a part of who you were. And I love you for that.
Love always
Toni Holley
May 18, 2014
I could have never imagined that the 18th of each month would come to have such a powerful significance. And now that date defines each month in so many ways.
Just know that you are still missed and that your light still shines bright in all of us and your voice still resonates through all of us...
Love you?
Toni Holley
May 12, 2014
Mother's Day will always be bittersweet..we could always see that after nana passed so many years ago, a piece of you went with her. And now that you are in heaven with her, a piece of each of our hearts went with you. In the midst of missing you, I had a beautiful day with my first born and her first born.
Nothing will ever make the pain of losing you go away...but the comfort of knowing you are home with our Lord, home with your mother, and you told us you were ready to make the final journey, makes it bearable.
Thank you for the inspiration you continue to be for all of us..
Toni Holley
May 7, 2014
Mommy,
I guess it wasn't time yet for these conversations to end...even though it's a conversation where I do all the talking and you do all the listening...but then you were always good at taking the time to listen. Now when I listen for you, I listen with my heart.
Thank you Tina for a wonderful gift.
Love,
toni
Toni Holley
April 21, 2014
Thinking of you on your birthday...
Toni Holley
April 18, 2014
Mommy,
How is it possible that three years have passed since we held your hand, kissed your face, heard your voice.
How is it possible that it's been three years since we said our last goodbyes, stood by your bed as you took your last breath and cried as we saw one final tear come from your eyes.
We are all doing the best we can and trying to get used to the "new normal"....but I don't think we know what normal is anymore.
What I do know is that you are no longer in pain, you are surrounded by loved ones gone before you, and that you are in a place that no words could describe.
Each day left behind is one day moving forward in making our way to you.
Missing you every single day..
All my love
Toni Holley
March 18, 2014
I was dreaming about you a few nights ago...I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder...it was so real that it woke me up...I hope it was you letting me know you were there..
You are always in my heart and you'll always have my love..
Toni holley
February 18, 2014
Holding you close in my heart and in my memories..
Love you..
Toni Holley
January 18, 2014
Mommy,
You make your presence known to me through the simplest of things..
A beautiful sunrise, a calming sunset, the Rays of the sun streaming through the clouds, a gentle rain, a lovely flower, a singing bird,the sound of your daughters' voices,
the smiles on your grandchildren's faces, the laughter of your greatgrandchildren.
I see you in everything...
Toni Holley
December 25, 2013
Mommy,
Another Christmas without you...
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Toni Holley
December 18, 2013
I can't help but think back to Dec 18, 2010. We knew in our hearts that we were probably together for Christmas for the last time.
But even though you were sick and the holidays weren't as they had been in years past, the important thing was that we were together.
Your spirit kept us going. You were even singing Christmas carols.
Your voice may not have been as strong as it once was, but it was beautiful to hear you sing along.
As Christmas draws near, these memories will bring me comfort and keep you close to my heart.
Toni Holley
November 18, 2013
The ties between a mother and child are forever strong..
She teaches with love and patience
right from wrong.
She watches over her daughters with tenderness and care until one day her time has come and she is no longer there.
But a mother's heart knows no bounds so she continues her vigil from above.
And no matter time and distance, her daughters can still feel her love.
I felt your love so strongly today .
You are still there taking care of us and making sure we come through life all right..
In good times and less than good times
you are forever my light .
Toni Holley
October 18, 2013
I could never imagine the day when we would have to let you go. And now, here it is 2 1/2 years later...you gave us so many wonderful memories..those will have to keep us close to you until you welcome us home.
Toni Holley
September 18, 2013
I miss talking to you and hearing the excitement in your voice when I had good news to share. And when the news wasn't so good I could feel your reassurance in the words you offered.
I'm still not used to you being gone. I still want to call you and share... to hear you laugh...to hear you say ' sleep with the little angels' when we would say goodnight to you.
I want to tell you what's been going on since you went to heaven...but then I realize you already know because I feel you've been with us every step of the way..
Please continue to watch over all of us...
Love you...
Toni Holley
July 18, 2013
Lately I've been thinking about when our family was so young..four little girls to raise.. we thought life would last forever that way.
And now my own young family has grown into wonderful adults, living their own lives and making their way in the world.
Makes me think of my own mortality and as I see life continue without you, I realize all that I will miss when I have to leave them.
My greatest comforts will be that I have left this life having raised three beautiful people, I was given a beautiful life by loving parents and sisters, I have been loved by a wonderful man and that I will see you again at heaven's gate...
Love you!
Toni Holley
June 18, 2013
I think back on the times when you would tell us that you didn't want us to be sad when your day finally came. It's hard not to be sad. You were the heart and soul of our family.. the one constant that we could all rely on. You suffered so much.. I know you tried to prepare us but nothing ever can. I know you left this world knowing you were loved, cherished and treasured by us. Thinking of you every day.
ps
If heaven exists the way we picture it, I hope you and Richard's mother are there watching over us
together,
Toni Holley
May 18, 2013
Mommy,
Another 18th of a new month is upon us and marking 25 months of missing you.
You always said you would like to come back as a bird and fly high and free.
The morning after we had to say our final goodbyes, there were so many birds in the trees in your back yard.
But the one that stood out the most was the hummingbird. We were all immediately drawn to that fast-fluttering little creature.
Since that day seeing a hummingbird always reminds us of you.
I read that legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy
and celebration.
The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.
Seems fitting that a little hummingbird would come to represent your spirit, your love of life and you watching over us
as it flutters around your garden and keeping watch.
Love always,
Toni Holley
May 12, 2013
Mommy,
On this Mother's Day I'm thinking about you and all that you taught me..where do I begin...
You taught me to love, to laugh and to live.
You taught me to stand on my own, to be strong, to be brave.
You taught me to find joy in the simple things and find the good in everyone.
You encouraged me to find my own way and embrace my choices without regret.
I hope that I've been able to pass those same qualities to my own children.
I thank you for loving me, believing in me and always being proud of me.
You always loved unconditionally, always ready to wrap your arms around me and a soft kiss to let me know I was safe and secure.
Nowadays, when I look in the mirror, it's your reflection looking back at me... and that brings me comfort.
Love you..
Toni Holley
April 18, 2013
Mommy,
It is so hard to believe that it has been 2 years since you left us to take your place in heaven with all the other angels.
I keep this very picture of you next to me as I sit and watch TV. You are right there with me. And when I go to bed at night and rise in the morning, I have another picture of you sitting in your room. You looked so pretty that day.
I often wonder what you would say to us now if you could. I found the following not long after you left us and keep it next to your photo. I think you would express to us the very same. So here is a message from you to us...
"When my time comes,
I want to be remembered,
not in a way that makes hearts ache,but in a way that brings warmth and joy.
I want to be remembered for
the happy times we shared and for the ways we showed our love for one another.
I want to have the peace of knowing that the ones I love will be happy and well, that their hearts will be hopeful, and their lives filled with experiences that are rich and rewarding."
Knowing you, I think that's what you would want us to know and feel.
Loving you always and missing you so deeply...
Your mejita forever!
Toni Holley
March 18, 2013
I'm looking at your portrait and it's as if your eyes were trying to convey a message..
What would you tell us if we could hear your voice again..
I hope you would tell us how happy you are..that Heaven is a wonderful place that we can 't even imagine..that you are surrounded by people you loved...
I hope you would tell us not to be afraid when our time is near
because you would be waiting for us.
You are my inspiration, my rock, my guiding light.
All my love is with you..
Toni Holley
February 18, 2013
It is still a mystery to me why Heaven called your name first.
But it is not for us to question ...
If life's lessons are learned, then we know that we will understand when it falls within God's plan. You always had so much faith and placed your trust in Him. Perhaps that is why He called you first. I know you are readying our places for us when we are reunited.
Distance and time can never change our love for you.
Thinking of you on my Tata's
birthday...and the 22 months since we said goodbye..
Toni Holley
January 1, 2013
Mommy,
Another year forward does not mean you are being left behind...it just means we are another year closer to seeing you again.
Loving you always,
Toni Holley
December 18, 2012
I keep thinking back on those months that I came and stayed..I guess we knew it might be the last of many things but it didn't seem real..it didn't seem possible that you would have to leave us.
I may not be able to see you, or hold you, or talk to you as before..but I know you are here.
I had hoped you would find your way to me and even if it is only in my dreams, you bring me comfort, calm and peace.
I can barely believe it when I say aloud that you have been gone 20 months.
I hope heaven has no time, no clock, no longing expectation for the unknown.
I pray that once we get to heaven we are so overjoyed with fullfillment and God's love that our hearts no longer ache for what we cannot have or be a part of..
I hope you are that joyful resting in God's garden.
Toni Holley
November 18, 2012
Dear Mommy,
That time of year is upon us again...the season that reminds us that things will never be the same. But life continues on its course..
Before you left us, it was hard to even imagine our world without you in it..you were its center..you still are.
Nineteen months later and life goes on and even though you are not here, I feel your gentle hand is still helping to guide the way.
Thank you for giving us such unconditional love, never ending support and always positive praise.
Is it because you loved us so much or because we loved you so much that our hearts are still so wounded?
Thank you for the blessings you have sent my way and I am grateful for all the memories of a wonderful life you created for us..I know you are busy preparing a special place for us there with you..
You are in my heart always,
Toni Holley
October 18, 2012
Mommy,
How can I believe that it has been eighteen months since we watched you slip away from us? We started our life without you by counting the Mondays; then counting the weeks and months. And now those are turning into years.
It still hurts to know that you are not at home or in your garden, enjoying the simple pleasures that brought you such joy.
It still hurts to know that we cannot share our lives with you..that the comforting words or embraces you would have shared with us no longer belong to us.
But I know that you are here to help us along with the healing process..emotionally,mentally, physically. I take strength from your courage and love and know that anything we survive, makes us stronger and prepares us for the next challenge that comes along.
We have been blessed with your light..
Loving you always,
Toni Holley
September 18, 2012
Mommy,
I may not be able to talk to you, but I still hear your voice.
I may not be able to touch you, but I still feel your warmth.
You still know when I need you..I feel your presence at just the right time.
And when I least expect it, I will see your beauty in the blueness of a clear sky, in the warm glow of a breath taking sunset, in the drizzle of a summer rain, and yes..in the flight of a hummingbird racing about.
I am blessed to know and understand that you still watch over us as we make our way on our individual journeys of life. I am grateful for the gifts you have given me so that I may continue to appreciate every sunrise, every sunset, every moment with my children and grandchildren, every conversation with my father and my sisters..that I may continue to enjoy life with a husband that has come to rely on blessings from you as well.
I know you are a part of every good thing in life because in life, all you ever saw was the good.
You are still so loved..so missed..and very much a part of our lives. That will never change. Loving you always..
Toni Holley
August 18, 2012
Mommy,
Your arms were always open when I needed a hug..
Your heart understood when I needed a friend..
Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson..
Your strength and love guided me and gave me wings to fly.
It was true then and still holds true now and will continue until we meet again.
Toni Holley
July 18, 2012
Today I had a wonderful day with you in mind...
Instead of focusing on your passing, I am concentrating on the wonderful life you lived and the love and passion you gave each day that we were blessed to have you.
You always showed us the meaning of strength, dedication, humility, joy, fun and unconditional love. You were the light of our lives and always will be.
The best way to honor you and keep your memory so close and dear is to live our lives with those same virtues and so many more that made you the wonderful wife and mother that you were...that you still are. That's the wonderful thing about memories; they manage to keep you in the present with us here everyday.
Trust that Evan will come to know you through our example, love for family and through the stories, memories and pictures we will share with him as he gets older.
He will know that his Nani may have loved him for a very short time on earth but continues to love him from a very special place in heaven. He will know what an extraordinary and courageous great-grandmother he had and that she will always be a part of each of us including him.
Holding you always in my heart...and keeping the joy I felt today with Evan and knowing that you felt that same joy whenever you held your grandchildren..it's a circle of love that connects us all in my heart.
It was a wonderful day today...and you were here with us..
Loving you always,
Toni
Toni Holley
June 18, 2012
Mommy,
You know you are always in my mind and never far away,
But the 18th of the month took a new meaning today as Richard's mother passed today.
I hope she was greeted by her mother as I hope you were met by yours, and I hope that in the garden we call heaven
she has made her way to you there as well.
Tonight our hearts our breaking for all that we have lost, and knowing lives are forever changed until our time comes for us to cross.
So now we have our mothers, both of you watching over our families, another
Monday the 18th, forever we will grieve.
Loving you as always...
Toni Holley
May 18, 2012
You are in our thoughts every day, that will never change.
Whether it is in a memory or through a prayer,
You are here with us each and every day.
I still look to you for courage, strength and guidance. In these difficult times, I look to you for comfort and your "mommy wisdom".
I gaze at your pictures and close my eyes.
I try to imagine what you would say and then try to imagine the warmth of an embrace and you letting me know it will be alright.
Perhaps there was a reason that God saw fit to take you home first.
HE knew that the work you had ahead of you would best be accomplished from a heavenly place.
I know that our conversations and prayers are reaching you and I thank you for sending me signs that reassure me that no matter the distance or space, you are still here for us..as always.
I miss you...
Toni Holley
May 13, 2012
Warm memories surround me as I think of you today.
And no matter whether from this earth or from heaven above,
You will always have my heart and I will always hold your love.
April 18, 2012
"In Memory... of a Life so beautifully lived...a Heart so deeply Loved."
We love you and miss you so much...
Toni, Richard, Tara, Erin, RH, Evan and Andrew
Toni Holley
April 18, 2012
Mommy,
I can't believe this day has dawned,
a year has come and gone.
We watched you take your final breath as your journey took you Home.
It was hard to say goodbye that night, we knew the price was high.
But your pain and suffering came to an end
when alone your soul took flight.
And although you may not be here,
You are certainly all around.
We feel you in our lives each day,
your life and love abounds.
You live within each one of us,
the family you left behind.
A part of you lives on inside
to honor you and shine.
Rest assured we're doing alright and
I hope we've made you proud.
We couldn't have prepared for this but
we're trying the best that we know how.
I have to tell you the tears still flow
when we talk about our Mother.
The thought of you and who you were
reminds us there could never be another.
Now you live within my memory
and I pray that up above,
there are no tears in heaven,
that you are filled with only love.
Julieta
March 19, 2012
Hermanita Querida:
It's going to be a year since you left us. At first I couldn't understand why God took you. I was very mad at Him. During this past year I have realized that all the love and prayers couldn't help you. God saw this beautiful person with a strong will and TREMENDOUS faith that had no limits. The courageous way you handled whatever God dealt you and all our love and prayers we had for you couldn't stop that horrific pain you felt. He knew our hearts would break into a million pieces and our hurt would take forever to ease. He saw you getting weaker and weaker and decided He would take you with Him. It was time to go to Heaven where there would be no worries, suffering, and no pain to endure.
If all our tears
Could build a stairway
Then all the happy memories
We have of you
Would pave a straight lane to heaven
And I would walk to Heaven
And tell you,
“Hermanita, I came to take you back.”
You would answer,
“Mira la Julieta. That is so silly.”
Remember when…
Toni Holley
March 18, 2012
I speak to you each night and day,
Conversations between two hearts.
I never thought this would be the way we would stay close once we were apart.
You were always there to give us strength and be our guiding light.
You taught us love and kindness, you taught us wrong from right.
I've drawn strength from how you handled each challenge God sent your way.
Through your courage by example, I've been able to find my own path by believing, keeping hope and never forgetting to pray.
Eleven months have passed; months that I thought I never could survive.
But still you guide me through this journey, all with examples you taught while you were still alive.
I thank you for the life's lessons you imparted then and those that you still share from heaven above.
The conversations between two hearts will continue until I am there with you and rejoicing in our love.
Toni Holley
February 18, 2012
How can it be ten months have passed and not seen your lovely face,or held your hand, or kissed your cheek.. time keeps slipping away week after week.
The absence we feel in our world seems like forever but it is just a short while in God's time and space.
I try and seek you everywhere, to keep you close at heart
as every day the reality becomes clearer and the memories I hold become dearer.
I hear you in my sisters' voices, I see you in my children's faces, and feel you through my Poppy's love.
And I know that you are still sending your love and grace from up above.
You will always be the center of our lives,
the glue that held us together..
As we each wait for that time to come when we meet again forever.
p.s.
Thinking of my Tata today on his birthday..
Toni Holley
January 18, 2012
I look back to that last morning nine months ago today,
not knowing it would be our last together,
the day you'd go away.
Time has a way of passing quickly but at the same time standing still,
We go through the motions of getting through each day..each day is a challenge, everyday uphill.
You left a part of you in each of us
and I hope that makes you proud.
I know you listen and you speak to us, though your words are not out loud.
Rest in peace, Rest in love, Rest in our hearts forever.
Toni Holley
January 1, 2012
I'm sorry I didn't write to you on the 18th of December,
It's not because I didn't care or that I didn't remember.
Life's events got in the way but you know that already.
And although eight months have passed too soon, we're still trying to hold steady.
It makes me sad to see this past year end and another start anew,
this will be the first of many with no memories made with you.
I have to believe you look down on us and know all that's going on,
No matter how much time and years go by
Our lives are forever enriched with your love and light and the music of your song.
Toni Holley
November 18, 2011
Thank you for the miracle you sent us yesterday
I know that you and God worked hand in hand
to send that gift my way.
Even though you've been away from us
seven months today
I know you still keep watch over us
Guiding and inspiring all along the way.
You give me strength, you give me hope, you fill my life with light.
More gifts you send from heaven to maintain the long and steady fight.
You're in my heart, you're in my thoughts, you're in my every prayer.
And every night when I thank God for the blessings He's given me that day,
I know you are with Him, I can feel your presence there.
I know you are with me every single step of the way..that is something I do not doubt.
Toni Holley
October 18, 2011
When faced with life's great challenges
You taught us to never ask "why me".
Instead you fought with courage and faith,
those lessons are clear to see.
You knew that God was in control and guided by His plan,
you made sure we felt your love each
and every day.
I learned from you to trust that all things are in His hands.
Little did I know then that you were readying the way.
I hope I learned the lessons well; I take them all to heart.
You taught me how to embrace my own obstacles in life.
Know that every day I rise you will always play a part,
I'm still learning from your example as a mother and a wife.
I look to you to guide me as I'm given my own test,
I know that you are with me and it gives my spirit rest.
The times that I get scared and weak, I know that when I pray
You'll hear me and I'll feel consoled to face another day.
I can't believe six months have passed and not have heard your voice,
But God had his plan for you and in that we had no choice.
I hope I can make you proud and see each day through with grace,
May I ask that you say a prayer for me next time you touch God's face.
Toni Holley
September 18, 2011
It's been five months since God saw fit to take you from this life,
Leaving daughters without their mother and a husband without his wife.
I tell myself you had to go; you'd paid your dues and debt.
But despite knowing this and more, I was not ready to let go yet.
I remember the last time I heard you speak my name,
Knowing one day you'd be gone and I'd never be the same.
I remember the last time you reached out to touch my face,
And I wish I could go back to that moment, time and place.
I wake thinking of you as I see the morning light,
I go to sleep thinking of you in the darkness of the night.
Thoughts of you come to mind all throughout the day,
And missing you so very much..so much more than words could say.
You taught us so much about life and then even about death..
I hope you knew we were by your side as you took your final breath.
You were not alone that day..we all lifted you in prayer
As you made your final journey into His everlasting care.
Toni Holley
August 18, 2011
My heart cannot believe it's been
four months since our goodbye.
I think of all we had and lost and
I cannot help but cry.
The legacy you left us to carrry on each day
is rich with love and memories...but there was so much more to say.
You gave us life, you gave us hope..
You made each feel they mattered,
But oh too soon you were called home,
Our lives forever shattered.
I know you would have liked to stay with us a little longer,
I say a prayer I hope you'll hear..
my plea to make me stronger.
I hope that you are filled with peace and everlasting love,
And that you are keeping watch over all of us
From your heavenly home above.
Toni Holley
July 18, 2011
Three months ago you left us,
though certainly not by choice.
But distance, time nor even death will never still your voice.
You left behind so much love amid
the sorrow and the grief.
But in the midst of all the sadness, I pray that you have been rewarded with comfort and relief.
In the arms of the angels is where you softly sleep.
I think of you each day and night and my heart begins to weep.
You waited so many years to see your Mother's face, I know she welcomed you with open arms where you will stay in her eternal embrace.
You were so brave to fight so hard so in the end we'd know,
That when that Monday night arrived, you'd reassured us so many times that you were ready and we'd have to let you go.
How does one count the time apart..by
weeks, or months or years?
I count the time by Mondays passing,
filled in between with tears.
Toni Holley
June 19, 2011
Can it be eight weeks have passed
since that night you closed your eyes?
My heart has ached and tears have
flowed since we said our last goodbye.
I know your soul is lifted..there's
no more suffering or pain.
You sing now with the angels
in a beautiful refrain.
In disbelief I rise each day
reminded of what I'll miss..
the warmth of your loving smile
and the gentleness of your kiss.
I know you must be radiant
in God's evershining light.
Basking in His glory, far from
every earthly plight.
I have but just to keep the faith
that indeed there is a plan,
Created by the Lord above and not
by mortal man.
Until you stand to greet me
with arms outstretched in love,
I'll see you in the starlit sky
as a twinkling star above.
Cristina Trimble
June 8, 2011
I remember when my dad died and Alice spoke at dad's wake. She was so beautiful and articulate and an amazing communicator. She was always smiling and full of love for everyone. I take comfort in the knowledge that Alice is in a better place, at the hand of god, and no longer suffering. She was a very special person and she touched so many lives.
Tina Perez
May 30, 2011
Mommy,
My thoughts of YOU are an endless treasure...
To speak of YOU turns my grief to pleasure...
YOU are always with me day and night...
I may not see YOU but you're within my sight...
I hear YOUR voice call out my name...
And though YOU are gone it sounds the same...
I close my eyes and feel YOUR touch...
Those hugs and kisses I miss SOOOO much...
One thing I know is YOU never left me...
God came and called YOU and set YOU free...
Until he's ready to call my name...
My life will never be the same...
Sergio Murueta
May 29, 2011
My first recollection of Licha: I was a kid playing outside and a beautiful woman came over and sang to me. I knew she was my Tio Ricardo's wife. Next time I saw her she was singing on TV, WOW! A superstar before the word superstar came to be. Did I feel special or what?
I also remember whenever we saw Licha and Ricardo anywhere, they made it better.
So to this date every time I hear a female singer, I have a flashback of Licha singing to me.
I know this is trivial to the memories you must have but she was so special.
DAVIELL MALDONADO
May 28, 2011
I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN...MY HEART ACHES...I MISS HER ....SHE WAS MY FRIEND... SHE WAS MY TEACHER... MY SPIRITUAL GUIDE...SHE WAS LOVE ...I COULD MAKE HER LAUGH AND LOOKING AT HER SHE COULD MAKE ME CRY. SHE WAS ALWAYS HAPPY.. I LOVED TO HEAR HER SING, SHE WOULD SING WITH PASSION AND SO MUCH HAPPINESS...I KNOW SHE SINGS WITH THE ANGELS NOW AND SHE WILL BE THERE FOR US WHEN WE NEED HER....MY HEART STILL ACHES BUT I SMILE WHEN I THINK OF HER ....YES, I WANT TO CRY...BUT THAT ACHE IN MY HEART IS ALICE TELLING ME THAT SHE IS THERE.. SHE IS HOLDING MY HEART IN HER HANDS ....MY LOVE AND MY PRAYERS TO HER HUSBAND, RICHARD,. AND TO HER WONDERFUL DAUGHTERS WHO DID MORE THAN THE IMPOSSIBLE. D.MALDONADO
Abel Mendoza
May 26, 2011
Teresa my condolence and prayers to you and your family... I'm sorry for your loss.
Lisa Brooks
May 24, 2011
My love and prayers go out to you. If you need anything or just to talk-please do not hesitate to call me. I love you all.
Toni Holley
May 18, 2011
Four weeks ago you left us
your soul took wings of flight,
And now I wait to see you in the
dreams I dream each night.
I wonder..do you miss us as much
as we miss you?
Do you know our hearts are aching
with every thought of you?
I listen for your whispers in
the quiet of the day.
Still wondering why you left us,
Why you've gone so far away.
Every day brings thoughts of you
A reason for a smile.
Photos and our memories keep us company for a while.
Until that day we meet again
at heaven's pearly gate,
A date that no one knows for sure
But for that day we wait.
May 17, 2011
Mr. Perez , Tina, and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Gene Lacaillade
Loretito
May 11, 2011
Nothing happens in the past.
Nothing happens in the future.
The only time anything happens is NOW.
NOW is all we ever really have.
All we ever really have is this moment.
So many of us waste it,
Dwelling on the past,
Projecting ourselves into the future,
Visiting the moment only on occasion.
You always made me feel present.
No one embraced the moment
Pulled me into it the way that you did.
No one made the most of each moment
Like you did with your humor,
Your enormous creativity,
Your undying spark…
So much joy, so much love,
So much light and warmth…
Caring poured forth from you
To all and everyone in your world.
Plants, people, dogs,
...turtles, the evening meal...me...
All benefitted from your care.
I was drawn to you
Like a bug to a light on your porch…
As a flame that is weak
That kisses another burning strong
I was renewed, nourished, inspired,
Strengthened by your brilliance…
I can see the pieces of you
Woven into the person that I am,
Into the fabric of the women your daughters grew into,
In sparkling eyes of grandchildren that have come along since.
In this moment,
tears are hard to hold back
Regrets are like stones sinking my soul
I couldn’t bear to witness your light going dim.
And yet when I came to your side,
It was you who gave me peace
Touched my hand
Spoke in a way that comforted
Gave a feeling that you understood
That you forgave my weakness…
In this moment,
I wrap my heart around the love you gave to me-
Your strength, courage, dignity, undying faith-
To light me up inside and to light my way.
I hope you will visit my dreams.
And never leave me.
I love you, Tia Licha.
Toni Holley
May 9, 2011
Mommy,
I see you in the sunrise through gentle rays of light
I hear you as the birds sing as the day turns into night
I feel you in the warm spring breeze
that gently brushed my face
I know you are looking down on me from heaven's rightful place.
You're never far away as long as nature speaks so clear
But I will never stop from wishing that
our Mommy was still here.
Tara Houser
May 8, 2011
Nana,
I thought of you with love today
but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday
and days before that too,
I think of you in silence
I often speak your name
All I have are memories
and your picture in a frame
Your memory is my keepsake
with which I’ll never part
God has you in His keeping
I have you in my heart.
I miss you every day and know that you are looking down on me and my family.
Showing 1 - 96 of 96 results
Make a Donation
in Alice Perez's name
Memorial Events
for Alice Perez
How to support Alice's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alice Perez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
