Obituary of Monica Perea

On June 1, 2019, heaven gained a beautiful angel when Monica Perea lost her fight against pancreatic cancer.   She fought hard until the very end.  She was born June 21, 1967 to Jesse and Fabby Perea in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, Auntie (Titi), and mother.

Monica attended St. Michael’s Catholic school through 1981, and then attended and graduated from North Thurston High School with the Class of 1985. She was a tireless advocate for youth as an educator in the North Thurston School District where she was an ESL para educator at Chinook Middle School, and as a member of the greater Lacey community.   She remained engaged in the community her entire life.   

Monica's passions were dancing (ballet, hula, and traditional Mexican), music, theater, and giving of her talents, love and care.  She loved people and, even though she had little, she always found time to give to others.  Her generosity of her time and talents included things such as performing at the senior center on holidays, serving holiday dinners at homeless shelters, and putting Easter baskets together for children in need.  Above all, she had a deep and abiding love for her daughter, Aleja, and was a dedicated and loving aunt to her nephew, Josue.   

Monica was always positive.  Her smile was infectious, and she was always happy to see her friends and all her family (aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins).

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter, Aleja; mother, Fabby; brother, Mark; sisters, Jessica and Doris; and nephew, Josue.  She was predeceased by her father, Jesse; and grandparents, Ersilia and Atanacio Sandoval.

A Potluck Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, June 21, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite community-based charitable organization or to benefit pancreatic cancer research.