Gladys Perez Gonzalez

In Loving Memory of Gladys Perez Gonzalez
October 13, 1959 – October 14, 2025
With deep love and sorrow, our family announces the passing of Gladys Perez Gonzalez, lovingly known as "Cuca," who left this world on October 14, 2025, just one day after celebrating her 66th birthday. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on October 13, 1959, Cuca brought beauty, laughter, and warmth into every room she entered.
She was married to the love of her life, Pedro "Junior" Sanchez, and their bond was filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Together, they shared countless memories, supported each other through every moment, and built a life rooted in love and family.
Cuca was a proud and talented hairstylist, known for making others feel confident and beautiful. Even after arthritis forced her to step away from her career, her creativity never stopped. She had a bold sense of fashion, loved to dress up, design outfits, and express herself through style. She was also a true artist who loved to draw and create.
She was funny, loving, sentimental, and deeply caring. Family was everything to her. She always looked after her brothers and sisters, and she treated her nieces and nephews like her own children. Her favorite number was 13, because it was her birthday - and everyone who loved her knew that 13 wasn't just a number, it was a piece of her. Cuca believed in love and family first, and she lived those values every single day. Whether it was a hug, a phone call, or a joke to make you smile, she made sure everyone felt special and seen.
She was also a proud Chicago sports fan-whether it was the Cubs or the Bears, she shouted at the TV like she was part of the team!
And she was proudly Puerto Rican-if there was a fiesta, parade, or festival, you already knew Cuca would be there dancing and celebrating!
Cuca was born into a big and loving family of 14 siblings.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Josefa Gonzalez and Bienvenido Perez, and by her cherished siblings:
Héctor "Pipe," Luis "Tito," Raul, Roberto, Carlos, and Ruben, whom she loved deeply and never forgot.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Pedro "Junior" Sanchez; her two beloved sons, Jason Sanchez and Joey Sanchez, who were her pride and joy; and her loving siblings:
Junior Perez, Silvia Perez, Ivan Perez, Norma Perez, Nilda Perez, Edwin Perez, and Freddy Perez.
She also leaves behind a large, loving family of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored as if they were her own children.
Cuca was blessed to share her life with Vitin and Angela, who treated her like their own daughter. She brought joy to their home, and their love for each other was something truly special. Her loss leaves a deep ache in their hearts.
Cuca touched countless hearts with her humor, creativity, pride in her culture, and unconditional love. Her legacy will live on in the laughter she sparked, the memories she created, and the family she held together.
In honor of her wishes, she will be cremated, and a brunch gathering to celebrate her life will be held on November 1st at a buffet, where family and friends will come together to share stories, smiles, and the love she left behind.
Though she is no longer with us physically, her spirit will forever live in our hearts.
We love you, Cuca. Thank you for loving us the way you did.