Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park on Jul. 17, 2025.
In Loving Memory of
FELIPA "FELY" SANTIAGO PEREZ
September 20, 1927 – July 6, 2025
Fely S. Perez, 97, passed away peacefully in San Bruno, California surrounded by her devoted family. Fely left this world embraced by the same love she gave so freely throughout her life. She is now joyfully reunited-and surely ballroom dancing-with her beloved husband, Alfonso S. Perez Sr., and predeceased siblings Remigio, Ernesto, Pablo, and Rosario.
Fely is lovingly remembered by:
» Dolores "Mayette" (husband John; sons Derric, Allan and Sean)
» Luisito "Louie" (wife Cie; sons Marcel, Eric and Nathan)
» Cecille (husband Ed; daughters Francille, Francesca and Frangelica; son-in-law Wilbert; granddaughter Shaia)
» Lourdes "Ogie"
» Al Jr. (husband Ken)
» Maria (husband Jason; daughters Gabbie and Maddie)
» Siblings Bayani, Renato (wife Aida), Milagros (husband Robert) and sister-in-law Liwayway
» And a wide circle of extended family and cherished friends.
Born on September 20, 1927, in Bulacan, Philippines, Fely's life was shaped by resilience and grace. At just 14, she became her family's breadwinner, sewing dresses to support them. By 19, she had earned Honorable Mention from the Underwood Business Institute in Dressmaking, and later opened her own dress shop in Sampaloc, Manila.
After World War II, she graduated high school with Honors from the University of Santo Tomas Abridged Class. Impressed by her spirit and determination, the principal awarded her the contract to sew high school uniforms, a responsibility she held from 1953 until 1976. When her mother Eulalia passed away, Fely, then 25, stepped into the role of mother figure to her five younger siblings-a responsibility she carried with unwavering love.
She married Alfonso Perez Sr. on July 7, 1957 in Manila-marking the beginning of a beautiful life together that spanned 53 vibrant years. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1976, Fely worked as a seamstress at the Hilton Hotel and later at Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco. Her true passion, however, was creating-Filipiniana ball gowns, beaded bridal wear, luxurious drapery and lovingly sewn garments for family and friends.
As matriarch of the Santiago family, Fely was known for her quiet strength, wisdom, and boundless generosity. After retiring at 70 from the City and County of San Francisco, she devotedly cared for her husband during his years on dialysis.
Later in life, Fely embraced travel with family and treasured visits home to the Philippines. Fely's legacy lives on in every stitch, every memory, and the deep love she gave. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
S E R V I C E S :
Sunday, July 20, 2025 | 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Cypress Lawn Funeral Home – Tiffany Chapel, 1370 El Camino Real,
Colma, CA» Flowers may be delivered here on July 20, 2025 after 3:00 pm.
» Rosary prayer will begin at 4:30 pm.
» A livestream of the Visitation is available here: bit.ly/felyperez
Monday, July 21 | 10:00 am
Holy Angels Church, 107 San Pedro Road, Daly City, CA
Monday, July 21 | 11:30 am
Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1701 Hillside Boulevard,
Colma, CAIf you are able to join us, we'd appreciate your RSVP so we can make proper arrangements: bit.ly/felyperez