Elizabeth "Bebe" C Perez

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth "Bebe" Cadena Perez

Our hearts carry a heavy burden, yet we find solace in knowing that our beloved mother's suffering has come to an end. Elizabeth "Bebe" Cadena Perez passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 17, 2024, at the age of 84. After many long years battling the cruel effects of Alzheimer's, her earthly struggles have ended.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her devoted husband of over 60 years, Faustino "Tino" Perez, Jr.; her parents, Maria Luisa Recio Cadena and Victor Gonzalez Cadena; and her younger brother, Roel Cadena. She is survived by her brother, David Cadena of Sedona, Arizona.

Her legacy lives on through her children: Michael Lynn Pérez, Marc Adam Pérez (Minerva), Matthew Anthony Pérez, Roxana Christel Burris (David), all of Corpus Christi; Tina Gizelle "Gigi" Del Gallo (Walter) of Sandia; and Elizabeth "Lizzy" Pérez (Celina) of San Antonio. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Elizabeth was born on May 17, 1940, in Corpus Christi, Texas. As an infant, she frequently visited the doctor, who lovingly referred to her as "la Bebe," a name that would follow her throughout her life. She attended elementary and junior high school in Corpus Christi before moving to Premont, Texas, where she completed high school.

In her early years in Corpus Christi, Elizabeth made a name for herself as a very talented folklórico and mambo dancer. She loved performing and took great pride in showcasing the beautiful dresses her grandmother lovingly made for her. The bond with her Grandmother Recio grew as Elizabeth eagerly designed the dresses herself, her mother purchased the fabric, and her grandmother brought the designs to life with her sewing mastery. This shared love for creativity and artistry became a cherished part of her life and a testament to the close relationships she nurtured.

Elizabeth-affectionately known as Liz to her classmates-was an outgoing and popular student. She was Head Cheerleader for the Premont Cowboys and was honored as the 1959 Homecoming Queen, both accolades voted on by her peers. Shortly after graduating, she married Faustino Perez, Jr., and together they built a life filled with love and unwavering commitment to their family. They eventually made Premont their permanent home after brief stays in Houston and Corpus Christi.

Elizabeth lived a life full of love, resilience, and faith. She was not only in service to her family but also to those in her congregation. She served for many years as a lay reader, catechism teacher, Eucharistic Minister and took on the role of Director of Religious Education at St. Theresa's Infant Jesus Church in Premont. She was also gifted with a beautiful voice and she was a member of the church choir. Her kindness, wisdom, and devotion to sharing God's word touched countless lives. Over the years, many of her former students have shared how deeply she impacted them with her faith and guidance.

Elizabeth's faith in the Lord was unwavering. She was a daily seeker of God's wisdom, love, and guidance, and she shared that faith with all who crossed her path. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, warm heart, incredible cooking, love of the beach, and the devotion she poured into her family. She was all that a momma bear is to her loved ones. Her children and grandchildren will forever cherish the sacrifices she made on their behalf and the love she shared so freely.

We rejoice in the thought that she is now whole again, reunited with loved ones, particularly her "Tino", who have been awaiting her arrival in eternity. Her earthly journey has ended, and she now enters into the abundant rewards of a heavenly life.

Though we mourn her absence, we hold close the love and memories she left behind. Rest in peace, our dear Bebe, until we meet again.

A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held on December 27, 2024, at St. Theresa's Infant Jesus Church in Premont, Texas. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., followed by words of remembrance. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. and burial to follow at the Premont Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Theresa's Infant Jesus Church in Premont, Texas or The Alzheimer's Association in her honor. Links are provided below.

St. Theresa's Infant Jesus Church

235 SW Fourth St

Premont, TX 78375

Link below for Alzheimer's Association

https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

Pallbearers: Victor Pérez, Michael Del Rey Pérez, Roman Del Gallo, Colvin Del Gallo, Tino Gael Burris, Carlos Ramos and Caleb Pérez.