Esperanza Reyna Perez

Esperanza Perez Reyna, known by those who loved her as “Pelancho” entered the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ on May 25, 2024 two weeks shy of her 90th birthday. She was born on June 15, 1934 in Villa Gonzalez Ortega, Zacatecas. There she met the love of her life Eduardo to whom she was married for 52 years. They started their lives together in Port Isabel and raised 5 children Lupita, Chris, Eddie, Rosie and Liz. Mama Pelancho enjoyed sewing, cooking for her family and was an avid gardener. In her hometown, she was a member of the Guadalupana choir and later escalated to karaoke singing.

In the 1970s, Esperanza noticed a lack of stores in Port Isabel and soon began a successful business selling clothing items out of the trunk of her car, her very own store on wheels. She enjoyed going to Las Vegas and playing the “maquinitas”. Esperanza (Mama Pelancho) was most proud of her heritage and instilled in her children the love and unity of family. She demonstrated her devotion to family by keeping us connected to our extended family in Zacatecas and Aguascalientes. Her happiest moments were when family gathered at her house and at our annual family reunion. Ultimately her grandchildren and great granddaughter were her pride and joy. She spent the last 2 ½ years playing chalupa, dominos and karaoke at Alta Vista where she was affectionately known as “Esperanzita”. Mama Pelancho leaves an emptiness in our souls that can never be filled. Her new life is among those loved ones that went before her and we are certain our Dad has welcomed her with open arms and dancing to their favorite songs.

She is preceded in death by her husband Eduardo Perez, parents Ismael and Consuelo Reyna, daughter Amelia Lilia, brothers and sisters Serafin Reyna, Virgilio Reyna, Ismael Reyna and Lilia Arellano.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Lupita Perez Van Holsbeke (Mark+), Chris Perez (Lydia), Eduardo Perez Jr. (Marichu), Rosalva Stevenson (David), Mary Elizabeth Lopez (Robert+); her grandchildren Lindsey Perez, Marcus Van Holsbeke, Kris Michael Perez, Kathy Van Holsbeke, Emma Perez, John David Stevenson, Leslie Stevenson, Marla Valdez, Daisy Elizabeth Lopez, Marianna Perez, and one great granddaughter Isla Salinas; sister Consuelo Marquez and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Esperanza, Mama Pelancho and La Tia Pelancho will be greatly missed and will forever live in our hearts.

On Friday, May 31, 2024, everyone is to meet at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church at 12:00 p.m.  At the conclusion of the funeral mass, visitation will follow at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.  Visitation is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with recitation of The Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m.   Services conclude at the end of the evening.

The Perez family would like to thank all the staff at Alta Vista for their exceptional care and services throughout her stay.  We would like to extend our gratitude to those residents who always stood by her side.

A special thank you to our friends and family who have supported us during this most difficult time.

To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Ms. Esperanza Perez Reyna, please visit Shalom Sympathy Florals at Sunset Memorial, place your order online at https://shalomflorals.com/shop or call (956) 572-3872.