Herlinda M Perez (Linda) stepped into Eternity to be with our Lord on Monday, September 20, 2021 at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ignacio H. Perez (Nacho); daughters, Linda Garcia and Irene Perez; sons Ignacio, Gilbert, and Teodoro Perez; long-time friend and life partner Robert Robledo (Beto); parents Guadalupe and Irene Morales; sisters Christina Hernandez (Nina) and Guadalupe Perez (Lupe); brothers Manuel and Fred Morales, and other family members.

She is survived by five of her ten children and their children: Cecilia Ortiz (David) and sons David, Dominick, Daniel, and Dane; Shirley Lopez and son Max; Paul Perez (Kathy) and daughters April, Janette, Melanie and Lily; Elizabeth Perez and children Briana, Brandon, and Dillon; and, Anna Bollinger and son Michael; Ignacio's children Bernadette, Ignacio, and Gina; Linda's son Fermin; Gilbert's children Michelle, Gilbert, Michael, and Rene; Irene's daughters Esmeralda and Nancy; 35+ great grandchildren, 5 great, great grandchildren;  sister Irene Murray (Nene) and brothers Gilberto (Dolores) Morales and Raymond (Vickie) Morales and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Our mother was a woman of faith, love, and patience.  Born in 1930 in Port Arthur, Texas during the aftermath of the Great Depression, she was one of eight children, the youngest daughter.  Life was not easy for her parents, Papa Lupe and Mama Irene, as they moved from Texas to Louisiana and back to Texas searching for meaningful work. San Antonio became home base soon after WWII began.  After the war ended she met and married our father--she was only 16. Ten months later in June 1947 she had her first baby girl with nine more babies to follow: four boys and six girls in a span of 20 years.

All who knew her know that her 91 years gave her many trials and hardships yet she faced them head-on with her head held high. Her faith and trust in God would not allow her to wallow in self-pity.  She kept moving forward finding joy in the simplest things.  One such joy was her discovery of painting ceramics…she was our Michael Angelo!  Her talent and skill gave her opportunities to make a little money while doing something she loved. Another was making a meal for anyone who came for a visit, especially for her grand kids who always wanted her tortillas.  Her hospitality was full of love! In her later years she found much deserved peace and enjoyment especially of her humble home. She loved thrift store shopping and reading--her Bible was the first book she opened each day. She not only found joy but she gave it.  The joy we will miss the most is her wonderful gift of storytelling and laughter; of being there for us when we needed her.  She is leaving such a big hole in our hearts and lives but we know she is now spreading joy in Heaven.  Dearest beloved Mama, Nana, Grandma, we will always remember your love for our family and the life lessons you taught us.  Rest in peace precious darling.

Visitation to take place on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm. Family and friends will meet at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church for a funeral mass at 9:30am. After mass family and friends will depart in procession to Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with an arrival time of 11:30am.