Juanita (Jenny) Maria Perez

Juanita (Jenny) Maria Perez, long time resident of over 60 years, of Gonzales, California, passed away peacefully on May 17th, 2026, at the age of 78 years old, surrounded by loved ones. Jenny fought bravely in her last few years with dementia and in her final days of a stroke. Born on Valentine’s Day, which could explain her love for chocolate and sweets, February 14th, 1948, in Salinas, California at the then Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, she was the daughter of Sara Celaya and Military Veteran Alfred Marquez.

A devoted homemaker since the age of 18, Jenny raised 4 children, instilling old fashioned values in them of manners and respect for others and themselves. She had a passion and love for nature’s owls and colorful butterflies as well as was an avid collector of angelic decor. Highly active in multiple organizations for disabled youth and advocate in her younger adult life, due to her older son, Jenny was a strong woman with an equally strong presence, whom overcame any challenges and obstacles she was faced with.

Jenny was married 50 years to Ernest F. Perez, then widowed, but is survived by; their four children; Delia M. Brown, Ernest J. Perez III, Anthony V. Perez, Cynthia M. Rhodes, her grandchildren; Crystal F. Hess, Brandon T. Moody, Destinee E. Brown, Andrew Brown, Daniel P. Brown; Angel A. Alaniz-Perez, Alexis L. Perez, Derrick M.McCarten, Ciara A. Conlan; Sarah B. Perez, Alexander D. Perez, and her great grandchildren.

Viewing Service and Celebration of Jenny’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 from 10am to 12pm at Healey Mortuary located at 405 N. Sanborn Rd., Salinas, CA 93905. Following the viewing services, she will be laid to rest in forever peace - to be with her husband in Heaven at 1pm in Gonzales Cemetery, located at 1000 Old US Hwy 101, Gonzales, CA 93926.

(Gift Flowers may be delivered to Healey Mortuary, same day of service, prior to beginning).