Natividad Perez Mallari

Our dear Natividad Perez Mallari, age 73, passed away in the early hours of November 15, 2023 surrounded by her loving family in Newark, California.
Nati was born to the late Daniel Perez Sr. and Magdalena Agagod Perez on September 9, 1950, in Manila, Philippines. Growing up in the Tadian Mountain Province of the Philippines, she often recalled fond memories of her childhood, foraging for mushrooms and catching snails in the rice fields. She graduated highschool from the University of Baguio in 1967 before attending the University of the Philippines and then Far Eastern University, where she studied Medical Technology and graduated in 1972.
Nati married her loving husband, Jesus Mallari, in 1977 in Baguio City, Philippines. They built a beautiful life together, raising three children, and relocating often. Nati was always up for the adventure. They lived in Ohio and Michigan until Jesus joined the Navy in 1990. They moved to Subic Bay, Philippines and later Yokosuka, Japan before settling in California where she worked as a clinical lab technician at UCSF. Nati loved living in Japan and she eagerly immersed herself in the culture. She enjoyed venturing off of the naval base to explore new cities, thrift shops and historical sites; studied and spoke conversational Japanese; learned Japanese arts and crafts; and even taught English to Japanese students!
Nati valued simplicity and humility, delicious food made from scratch, handmade goods, family time, and all of the plants. Some of her greatest joys included gardening, treasure hunting in thrift stores, learning a new craft, reading, traveling, and caring for her pets Covington (Cubby), Melly, Gumby and Ziggy.
As a loving mother, she created a warm and nurturing home for her family, cooking almost every meal from scratch, sewing clothes for the kids, and greeting them after school with the smell of apple crisp or cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. She was an amazing cook and baker, and excelled at whatever creative pursuits came her way. She always had a couple of handmade projects in progress. She cared for the environment and she never wasted anything.
She was proud of her Filipina and Bibak roots and was a member of the BIBAK group in Northern California. She valued her St. Edmund's Episcopal Church and was grateful to Father Leonard Oakes and the many friendships she formed throughout this community.
Nati is survived by her husband Jesus Mallari; son Jeremy Mallari and his wife Michel; daughter Janice Mallari and her husband Edward; daughter Julienne Mallari; grand-daughter Isabelle; and brother Ricardo "Anding" Perez and his wife Elizabeth.
She is predeceased by her parents Daniel Perez Sr. and Magdalena Agagod Perez; sister Virginia Manaa; brother Christopher Perez; brother Daniel Perez; and brother Peter Perez.
Please join us in celebrating her life on Monday, November 27th at 12:30pm at the Cypress Lawn Funeral Home in the Tiffany Chapel. Her burial service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in support of breast cancer research.
Additionally, if you would like to adopt and nurture one of her beloved plants, please come to her home after the reception dinner!